Few desserts capture the spirit of summer quite like a slice of Key lime pie. With its vibrant citrus flavor and silky smooth filling, it’s a dessert that feels both refreshing and indulgent at the same time. Originating from the Florida Keys, this pie has earned its place as a classic American treat – and for good reason.
The star of the show is, of course, the Key lime itself. Smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, Key limes add a unique tartness and floral quality that sets this pie apart from other citrus-based desserts. Paired with sweetened condensed milk, the lime juice creates a creamy, custard-like filling with just the right amount of zing. The texture is velvety and rich, but never heavy, making it a perfect finish to a warm-weather meal.
One of the things people love most about Key lime pie is how balanced it is. The tart filling contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the graham cracker crust. Add a touch of whipped cream on top, and you’ve got a harmony of flavors and textures – crunchy, creamy, sweet, and sour all in one bite.
It’s also incredibly simple to make. There are no complicated steps, no fancy techniques, and no special equipment required. That’s part of its charm. It feels homemade in the best way – something your grandmother might have whipped up for a weekend gathering or summer picnic.
Key lime pie is more than just a dessert, though. It brings a little bit of tropical escape to your kitchen, no matter where you live. One bite can transport you straight to a breezy beachside café, with the sound of waves in the distance and a glass of iced tea in hand.
Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party, looking for a potluck favorite, or just craving a little citrusy comfort, Key lime pie delivers every time. Bright, simple, and timeless, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 4 egg yolks large,
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces
- 1/2 cup key lime juice fresh
- 2 tbsp key lime zest grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- lime thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish.
- Bake the crust for 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest until well combined.
- Pour the key lime mixture into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
- Garnish with thinly sliced lime before serving.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Nutrition
This pie is absolutely delicious! My family loved it, and it’s so easy to make!
I tried to make this but it didn’t set. Is there a trick I missed?
Delicious!!! Will definitely make again!
Best pie ever! I love the creamy texture and zesty flavor. Definitely making this again!
Best pie? Really? I thought it was too tart. Guess I’m not a fan of lime stuff!
I’m glad you loved it! The creamy texture really is the best part. Did you use fresh limes?
I followed the recipe to the letter but it turned out a bit runny. Maybe I whisked it too much? Not sure what went wrong.
Don’t worry, that happens! Maybe try using less key lime juice next time? It can be pretty watery sometimes.
I think you just over-whisked it! A friend told me that too much air in the mixture can make it not set right.
I found it a bit too sweet for my taste. The crust was nice, but it kinda drowned in the condensed milk flavor. Not my favorite dessert.
Too sweet? Nah, I love it that way! The sweetness is what makes it a dessert, right?
I totally get what you’re saying! I think it depends on personal taste. Maybe try less condensed milk next time?
Made this for a potluck and it got demolished! I did replace key limes with regular limes because I couldn’t find them. Still turned out great!
Easy recipe, but I added too much key lime juice. Lesson learned!
Really? Why not use regular lime juice? Key limes are expensive and hard to find!
I get your point, but key limes really do make a difference in flavor. It’s worth the effort and cost!
Meh. I expected more from key lime pie. Wasn’t even that limey, kinda bland actually. Maybe I did something wrong.
Wasn’t impressed. The crust was too crumbly. I think it needs more butter!
More butter? Nah, it’s all about balance. Too much and it’ll be a greasy mess! Maybe you just need to bake it longer?
I actually think the crust is perfect as is! Maybe try a different butter or add more sugar for a sweet touch?
Yum! First time making a pie, and I nailed it. Easy to follow directions.
Didn’t have key limes, so used regular limes. It was still good but different. What do you guys think?
Yummm! 🌟🍰 Totally delicious! Gonna try adding some coconut next time.
Not sure if I did something wrong, but mine turned out too sweet. Maybe use less sweetened condensed milk next time?
Key lime pie is my fav! I’ve been making it for years. This recipe is simple and tastes just like the ones from Florida.
Can’t go wrong with key lime pie. This recipe is solid, thanks!
This is a super easy recipe! I had everything at home already. Just a heads up, my kids loved it but the husband said it was ‘too limey’. LOL.
I tried this recipe too and my husband thought it was too sour! Maybe use less lime next time? 🤔
This pie is amazing! I’ve made it twice now and it’s always a hit at family gatherings. 5 stars!
I thought key limes were green. Disappointed that it was yellow! 🤷♂️
So sweet! I think it needed more lime juice for my taste. Might try adding more next time. 🤔
OMG I love this pie! The whipped cream on top adds a perfect touch!
This pie is amazing! It’s so refreshing and just the right amount of tartness. My family loved it!
Good pie, ate it in one sitting! 😍
Best key lime pie ever! I used fresh limes from my garden. Yum!
Fresh limes? That’s awesome! Makes it even better. Can’t wait to try it myself!
Basic recipe. Would like to see something more unique added, like coconut maybe? 🤔
Too much effort for me, I just buy it from the store LOL. 2 stars because it sounds good.
This pie was absolutely fantastic! All my guests loved it, and I can’t wait to make it again. Perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Graham cracker crust not my fav but went well with the filling. I usually prefer pie crust. But still tasty.