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Key Lime Pie Florida Style

Category: Sweet Treats with the Perfect Crunch

Enjoy the bright, citrusy taste of Key Lime Pie, a beloved treat from Florida. This pie features a crisp graham cracker crust filled with a smooth blend of key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, baked briefly for a just-set texture. Chilled for several hours, it’s finished with a generous topping of vanilla whipped cream and fresh lime zest. Its refreshing tang and creamy consistency make it perfect for warm weather or as a light dessert after any meal. Garnish with extra lime and serve cold for an authentic Southern experience.

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Updated on Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:41:55 GMT
A slice of key lime pie with a lime wedge on the side. Save
A slice of key lime pie with a lime wedge on the side. | krispywithmia.com

This Key Lime Pie captures everything I crave in a summer dessert creamy tangy filling and a buttery graham cracker crust with a crown of fresh whipped cream It is the ultimate Florida classic and my go to for potlucks and birthdays alike since it is ridiculously easy and always disappears fast

Last Fourth of July we brought this pie to a family BBQ and not a crumb was left The kids tried to sneak a second piece before the adults even sat down

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs: makes the perfect crisp base look for ones that are fresh and not stale
  • Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and structure use pure cane sugar for best result
  • Unsalted butter: binds and flavors the crust choose high quality butter for a rich taste
  • Egg yolks: create a thick silky custard select large fresh eggs for best color
  • Sweetened condensed milk: the backbone of that creamy filling opt for good quality brands for smoothest results
  • Key lime juice: gives the signature bold citrus tang fresh squeezed makes a difference but bottled can work in a pinch
  • Lime zest: adds fragrant oils and punches up the lime flavor finely grate for best texture
  • Heavy whipping cream: whips up light and airy for the topping use very cold cream
  • Powdered sugar: sweetens the whipped cream and helps it hold its shape sift to avoid lumps
  • Vanilla extract: brings an extra layer of depth real extract has the best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Crust:
Mix graham cracker crumbs sugar and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture looks like wet sand Each crumb should feel moistened but not soggy
Form and Bake the Crust:
Press the mixture firmly into a nine inch pie dish Make sure to press up the sides evenly Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to help pack it tightly Bake it at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for eight minutes then let it cool slightly
Prepare the Filling:
Whisk egg yolks and lime zest together for about two minutes The mixture will become paler and thicker which creates a richer texture Gradually whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined then slowly add key lime juice until smooth
Fill and Bake the Pie:
Pour the filling into the prepared crust Smooth the top gently Bake for twelve minutes The edges should look set and the center should still jiggle slightly This ensures a creamy pie that is not overcooked
Cool and Chill:
Let the pie cool completely to room temperature then refrigerate for at least three hours preferably overnight Chilling sets the filling for clean slices
Whip and Top:
Beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the pie just before serving
A slice of key lime pie with a fork in it. Save
A slice of key lime pie with a fork in it. | krispywithmia.com

My favorite part is zesting those key limes The smell just fills the whole kitchen and reminds me of tropical vacations as a kid My family always fights over who gets to lick the beaters after I whip up that sweet creamy filling

Storage Tips

Key Lime Pie stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil so it does not absorb other fridge odors If you want to freeze it do so without the whipped cream topping Wrap well and thaw overnight before serving then add freshly whipped cream

Ingredient Substitutions

If key limes are hard to source use Persian limes for a still bright but slightly different taste In a pinch bottled key lime juice will do Though homemade crust is more flavorful a store bought graham cracker crust saves time and works well For a gluten free option pick up certified gluten free graham crackers

A slice of key lime pie with whipped cream. Save
A slice of key lime pie with whipped cream. | krispywithmia.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve thick slices chilled straight from the fridge for ultimate refreshment Garnish with extra lime zest or ultra thin lime wheels for a pop of color Pairs perfectly with iced tea or even a light sparkling wine

Cultural Context

Key Lime Pie comes from Florida where tiny tart key limes once grew wild This pie has been beloved for generations in seaside homes and island diners It is a dessert with both humble roots and legendary status

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, Persian limes can be used if key limes are unavailable, though the taste will be slightly less tart and aromatic.

→ How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Blind baking the crust for 8-10 minutes helps set it, keeping it crisp after adding the filling.

→ Is it necessary to chill the pie for 3 hours?

Chilling ensures the filling sets properly and develops its creamy, sliceable texture.

→ Can this dessert be made gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make this pie suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ What’s the best way to garnish key lime pie?

Top with freshly whipped cream, sprinkle extra lime zest, or add thin lime slices for a decorative finish.

Key Lime Pie Florida Style

Tangy, creamy pie on graham crust, topped with whipped cream. A refreshing, chilled Florida favorite.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
40 min
By: Mia Chen

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American (Florida)

Yield: 8 Serves

Diet Suitability: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Crust

01 150 g graham cracker crumbs
02 70 g granulated sugar
03 85 g unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

04 4 large egg yolks
05 400 g sweetened condensed milk
06 120 ml key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
07 1 tbsp finely grated lime zest

→ Topping

08 240 ml heavy whipping cream, cold
09 2 tbsp powdered sugar
10 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

Steps

Step 01

Set the oven to 175°C and allow it to preheat fully.

Step 02

Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Mix until the texture resembles damp sand.

Step 03

Firmly press the crumb mixture into the base and up the sides of a 23 cm pie dish, ensuring an even layer throughout.

Step 04

Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Step 05

In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and lime zest for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly thickened. Incorporate sweetened condensed milk and whisk until completely smooth. Gradually blend in key lime juice until fully integrated.

Step 06

Pour the prepared filling into the cooled crust and smooth the surface gently. Bake for 12 minutes, until the filling is just set but still has a slight wobble in the center.

Step 07

Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully chilled and set.

Step 08

With an electric mixer, whip cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 09

Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie just before serving. Garnish with additional lime zest or thin lime slices if desired.

Notes

  1. Persian lime juice can substitute key lime juice if unavailable, but will slightly alter the flavor.
  2. For a firmer crust, extend the initial bake time by 2 minutes.
  3. Enhance presentation by garnishing with extra lime zest or thin lime slices.
  4. Pairs well with a chilled glass of Riesling or sparkling water with lime.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 23 cm pie dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or fine grater

Allergen Info

Check every ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a health professional if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and dairy.
  • For gluten-free preparation, use certified gluten-free graham crackers.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These details are approximate and shouldn’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 370
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 6 g