key lime pie with graham cracker crust recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
key lime pie with graham cracker crust recipe
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The Best key lime pie with graham cracker crust recipe

I’m so excited to share this classic key lime pie with graham cracker crust recipe with you. As a mom and a home cook, I’ve always been drawn to recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make and fun to share with my family. This pie is one of our favorites, and for good reason – it’s a perfect combination of tangy key lime filling and crunchy graham cracker crust that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert for a special occasion or just want a sweet treat after dinner, this pie is sure to be a hit.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this pie – they get so excited watching the filling set and the crust come together in the oven. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good excuse to break out the mixer and get baking? For me, this pie is more than just a tasty dessert – it’s a way to connect with my loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.

I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, but it never fails to bring a smile to my face. The combination of flavors and textures is just magic. And have you ever noticed how key limes have that extra burst of citrus flavor?

It’s like they were made specifically for this pie! As an added bonus, this pie is also relatively healthy compared to some other desserts out there – the graham cracker crust adds just the right amount of crunch without overpowering the filling. I’ve even made it for my book club meetings, and everyone raves about it.

So if you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make and will impress your family or friends, look no further than this key lime pie with graham cracker crust recipe.

Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

4.5 from 1889 votes

This tangy and creamy Key lime pie features a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, bright filling. It is a refreshing dessert that is perfect for warm weather and easy to prepare at home.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 35 mins (includes chilling)
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Key Lime Filling

4 large egg yolks
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh Key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
1 tablespoon Key lime zest (optional)

For the Topping (optional)

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
3Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir with a fork until all crumbs are evenly moistened.
4Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
5Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust evenly.
6Bake the crust for 10 minutes, until it is lightly golden and fragrant, then set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
7In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are thick and pale yellow, about 2 minutes.
8Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
9Stir in the Key lime juice and lime zest, if using, and mix until the filling is uniform.
10The mixture will thicken slightly as the lime juice reacts with the condensed milk.
11Pour the filling into the warm crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
12Bake the pie at 350°F for 15 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
13The filling should look firm around the edges and barely move in the center when you gently shake the pan.
14Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature, about 1 hour.
15Then cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully chilled and set.
16If making the topping, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes.
17Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

9-inch pie plate
Mixing bowls
Whisk or electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Zester or grater
Citrus juicer
Aluminum foil or pie shield
Cooling rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 210mg🌾Total Carbs: 44g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 36g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh Key limes if available, but regular limes work well in a pinch. The pie needs at least 4 hours to chill and set properly, so plan ahead. To prevent the crust from over-browning, you can cover the edges with a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil during baking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust Works

This key lime pie with graham cracker crust recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just want a special treat after dinner. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores in the fridge – simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

If you need to reheat it, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. And don’t forget about serving ideas – slice it up and serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra-special treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Q: What is key lime pie?

This pie is made with key limes, which are smaller and more acidic than regular limes.

Q: Can I use regular limes instead?

No, regular limes won’t give you the same flavor as key limes.

Q: What’s the difference between graham cracker crust and traditional pastry crust?

Graham cracker crust is made from crushed graham crackers mixed with sugar and melted butter.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?

You can make the filling ahead of time, but assemble and bake the pie on the day you plan to serve it.

Q: Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this pie is vegetarian-friendly.

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