Key Lime Pie

This sweet and tangy baked Key Lime Pie is the ultimate summer dessert. It’s refreshing, irresistible and a must in every recipe collection.

Is Key Lime Pie made with Key Limes or Persian Limes?

There are differences between Florida key limes and Persian limes that are most commonly found in the produce department at your local grocery store. Here are a few things to consider when comparing the two:

• What are Key Limes? Key limes are smaller and lighter in color than regular limes.
• Taste – A bright green key lime will be more tart than a slightly yellow key lime. The yellow hue signifies a more ripe lime as opposed to a “green” key lime. Either will work.
• Where Are They Grown – Initially grown in the Florida Keys, key limes are grown in other parts of the country and in Mexico, now.
• Acidity – They tend to have a flavor that’s tart, but not overly acidic, with aromatic floral notes.
• Color – Key limes are not only lighter and more yellow in color when ripe, the skin is thinner than Persian limes or the more common grocery store limes.

Ingredients to Make Key Lime Pie Recipe

Key lime desserts are often synonymous with warm weather. Rightly so, they come with the bonus of being island themed and inspired. One bite, and it seems to transport you to a warm and sunny day. Who could resist?

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Key Lime Pie: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Crust – Graham crackers, granulated sugar, melted butter and almonds for crunch.
• Fresh Lime Juice – Key lime juice gives the pie its signature flavor.
• Liquid – One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk gives the pie a smooth and velvety texture.
• Sour Cream – Sour cream adds a tangy flavor that complements the lime flavor.
• Eggs – Large egg yolks for richness.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract adds creamy floral notes.
• Lime Zest – Lime zest for both the filling and ganishing.
• Whipped Cream – You’ll also need fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip for serving.

How to Make the Best Key Lime Pie Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Pie Pan – Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch or 10-inch pie dish with cooking spray.
• Make the Crust – Toss together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, almonds and butter. Press crumb mixture into pie dish. Bake for 8 minutes. Cool completely.
• Make the Key Lime Filling: Whip together egg yolks on high speed until fluffy and thickened, around 3-5 minutes. Gradually add condensed milk and lime juice. Add sour cream, zest and vanilla extract on low speed, mixing until fully combined.
• Oven – Pour the filling into the crust and smooth the top. Bake per the cook time in the recipe until the center is set when gently shaken.
• Serve – Let the pie cool completely, then decorate the chilled pie with whipped cream and lime zest. Slice and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Southern Key Lime Pie

• One 9-inch pie dish or 10-inch deep pie pan. This key lime pie is baked to set the filling.
• Large bowl and medium bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Citrus juicer.
• Rubber spatula or whisk to combine the crust ingredients.
• Electric hand mixer.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Lime Juice – It takes a good amount of elbow grease to squeeze enough key limes for juice. If you’re not up to the challenge feel free to swap out with the more common limes we use everyday. Expect the pie to be slightly more acidic should you choose to do so.
• Key Lime Juice Substitution – You can use equal parts of regular lime juice and fresh lemon juice to mimic the taste of key limes.
• Sugar – You can use brown sugar in place of granulated sugar for the crust.
• Color – While key lime juice isn’t green, you may choose to use a few drops of green food coloring to change the hue of the key lime filling, if you’re so inclined. It won’t affect the taste, it’s simply visual, so it’s your choice to make. As you can see in the images of the recipe, I like the pale yellow color and serve it naturally that way.
• Whipped Cream – You can garnish this pie using Cool Whip or fresh whipped cream. Fresh whipped cream should be added the day you plan on serving the pie.
• Alternate Topping – You can either freeze the leftover egg whites or turn them into a meringue topping for the key lime pie.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Key Lime Pie covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer – You can freeze key lime pie for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and garnish the top with whipped cream just before serving.

More Lime and Lemon Desserts to Make

• Key Lime Macadamia Nut White Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is always super popular.
• Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle is a viral Pinterest sensation.
• My Key Lime Poke Cake is ideal option for a dessert that can be packaged and taken to a picnic or gathering.
• Lemon Meringue Pie is always a winner for dessert.
• My island inspired Key Lime Tart features a creamy no bake filling.
• Glazed Lemon Cookies melt in your mouth.
• Strawberry Lime Smoothies from Taste of Home.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Deep Dish Pie Pan
• Mixer
• Measuring Set
• Mixing Bowls