Description

A simple, creamy, and tangy key lime pie with a buttery graham cracker crust. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers a bakery-quality dessert that is perfect for make-ahead entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
½ cup (120ml) key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 can (14oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
3 large egg yolks
1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Lime zest and slices for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and key lime juice vigorously until blended and slightly frothy.
Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and pale yellow.
Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Bake for 15 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle.
Remove from oven and let cool on the counter for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Just before serving, whip heavy cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla extract to soft peaks.
Spread whipped cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with lime zest and thin lime slices.
Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, use fresh key lime juice if possible. Toast the crust for 5 minutes before adding filling to ensure crispness. Do not overbake the pie to prevent cracking. The pie is best made 24-48 hours in advance to allow flavors to meld. Whipped cream should be made just before serving to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 35
Sodium: 180
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 1
Protein: 6

Keywords: key lime pie, easy dessert, no-bake filling, graham cracker crust, citrus dessert, make-ahead dessert, simple baking