Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- 1½ cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
from about 12 whole graham crackers
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
melted
- Two 14-oz cans sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2% or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
- 8 to 10 thin lime slices
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 °F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter; stir with a fork first, and then your hands until the mixture is well combined. Using your fingers and the bottom of a glass or dry measuring cup, press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 x 1.5-inch (deep-dish) pie pan. The crust should be about ¼-inch thick. (Tip: do the sides first.)
- 3
Bake for 10 minutes, until just slightly browned. Let the crust cool on a wire rack.
- 4
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F.
- 5
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, yogurt, lime zest, and lime juice. Pour the thick mixture into the warm graham cracker crust. Bake for 15 minutes, until the filling is almost set; it should wobble a bit. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then place in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly, about 3 hours.
- 6
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until medium peaks form. Top the pie with the whipped cream. Decorate with the lime zest and lime slices.
Store the pie in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Slice the pie into wedges, wiping your knife clean between slices, and serve cold. - 7
Make-Ahead Instructions: You can make the crust a day ahead of time, but the filling should be added on the day of serving, otherwise the crust will get soggy.
- 8
Note: The nutritional information was calculated using 2% Greek yogurt.
Key Lime Pie
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of that perfect sweet-tart Key Lime Pie experience without the hassle of tracking down tiny limes? This recipe unlocks authentic Key lime flavor using readily available ordinary limes, making it simple to bake a pie that tastes like the real deal.
Why This Key Lime Pie Works
The genius of this recipe lies in its approach to capturing that quintessential tangy-sweet balance. By using a combination of fresh lime juice and zest from common limes, alongside sweetened condensed milk and Greek yogurt, you achieve a filling that’s both intensely flavored and wonderfully creamy. The yogurt adds a subtle tang and luxurious texture that makes this pie truly special and incredibly easy to achieve.
What you'll discover is a beautifully balanced dessert, where the vibrant citrus notes sing through a silky-smooth, rich filling. The crisp, buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect counterpoint to the creamy center, creating a delightful textural contrast with every bite. This pie is a refreshing treat, ideal for any occasion when you crave something bright and satisfying, and its elegant simplicity belies its incredible depth of flavor.
Customization & Variations
While this Key lime pie recipe is perfect as written, you can easily adjust it to your preferences. If you're looking for a slightly different crust, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the graham cracker crumbs for a warmer spice note. For the topping, experiment with a dusting of extra lime zest or even a few candied lime slices if you're feeling adventurous, though the provided heavy cream topping and fresh lime slices are a classic choice.
This bright and zesty Key Lime Pie is a fantastic centerpiece for any gathering, from casual backyard barbecues to elegant dinner parties. Serve it chilled, garnished with the included fresh lime slices, for a truly refreshing and impressive dessert that everyone will adore.