Best Key Lime Pie Recipe: Tangy, Creamy, and Irresistible

Key Lime Pie is the ultimate sweet-and-tart dessert that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of millions. With its creamy filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and signature tang from fresh key lime juice, this pie is a timeless classic. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, holiday table, or just craving a slice of sunshine, this is the only Key Lime Pie recipe you’ll ever need.

What Makes This the Best Key Lime Pie?

This pie combines authentic key lime flavor, balanced sweetness, and a smooth texture that’s light yet indulgent. The crust is thick and crisp, the filling is rich and bright, and the whipped topping brings it all together. It’s a no-fail dessert that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups crushed graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crackers)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest (optional, but highly recommended)

For the Whipped Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt in a bowl until evenly combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.

2. Make the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks until thick and pale.
2. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk and continue whisking until smooth.
3. Stir in the key lime juice and zest. The filling will thicken slightly on its own.
4. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and spread evenly.

3. Bake the Pie

1. Bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, just until the center is set but still jiggles slightly.
2. Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.

4. Prepare the Whipped Topping

1. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream around the edges or over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Key Lime Pie is perfect as is, but here are a few creative ways to serve it:

- Garnish with thin slices of lime or extra lime zest for a beautiful touch. - Drizzle with white chocolate or raspberry sauce for an elegant twist. - Add crushed pistachios or toasted coconut for texture and flavor contrast. - Serve with a glass of iced tea or a tropical cocktail for the full experience.

Tips for Success

Use fresh key limes if available — they offer more aroma and acidity than Persian limes. If not, bottled key lime juice (like Nellie & Joe’s) is a good substitute.

Don’t overbake the pie. It should be just set in the center when you remove it from the oven.

Chill thoroughly. This step is critical for the pie to set properly and slice cleanly.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can make Key Lime Pie up to 2 days ahead. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. The whipped topping is best added just before serving.

Leftovers will keep for 3–4 days in the fridge. Freezing is possible, but thaw in the fridge and avoid freezing whipped topping if possible.

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, Serves 8)

• Calories: 410
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugars: 31g
• Protein: 6g

*Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

Why Everyone Loves Key Lime Pie

It’s no surprise this pie is a favorite across generations. The vibrant citrus flavor, silky filling, and crumbly crust deliver an unforgettable bite every time. It’s a refreshing change from heavier desserts, making it perfect year-round — from summer BBQs to holiday feasts.

Once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to dessert. It’s simple enough for beginners and impressive enough for guests.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Pie recipe blends tradition, simplicity, and bold flavor in every slice. With a balanced tangy-sweet filling, a crisp graham cracker crust, and fresh whipped cream, it’s the kind of dessert that never goes out of style.

Ready to impress your family or guests? Bake this pie, chill it well, and watch it disappear from the table. There’s a reason it’s called the best!

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