Key Lime Pie

This Key Lime Pie recipe is the summer dessert everyone needs in their recipe file. The sweet and tangy key lime filling is like a burst of sunshine.

Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe

Is Key Lime Pie made with key limes or Persian limes? There are differences between key limes and Persian limes that are most commonly found in the produce department at the 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.
• 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.
• Initially grown in the Florida Keys, key limes are grown in other parts of the country and in Mexico, now.
• They tend to have a flavor that’s tart, but not overly acidic, with aromatic floral notes.
• 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.

How to Make the Best 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

• Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Key Lime Pie? For this recipe you’ll need a homemade graham cracker crust, key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, large egg yolks, vanilla extract and lime zest. You’ll also need fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip for serving.
• Kitchen tools you’ll need: 9 or 10 inch deep dish pie pan, measuring cups and spoons, citrus juicer, electric hand mixer, measuring cups and spoons.
• Do you bake this key lime pie? This recipe is baked in the oven until the filling is set.
• Please note, 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.
• Is there a substitute for key lime juice? You can use equal parts of regular lime juice and lemon juice to mimic the taste of key limes.
• 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, 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.
• You can garnish this pie using Cool Whip or fresh whipped cream. To make homemade whipped cream this is what you do: Place a large bowl and beaters into the freezer for 15-20 minutes to chill. Once chilled, add one pint or two cups of heavy cream and 1-2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium high speed gradually adding 1/4-1/3 cup of granulated sugar. You can adapt the sweetness to your taste. Beat until stiff peaks form being careful not to overbeat then chill until serving. Fresh whipped cream is best made and served the same day.
• How long will key lime pie keep? This pie will keep chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

More Lime and Lemon Desserts to Make

The bright fresh flavor of lime doesn’t have to stop with pie. Checkout these other recipes to add to your special desserts rotation:

• 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