Traditional Key Lime Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Welcome to a taste of sunshine with our Traditional Key Lime Delight! This classic pie is a refreshing treat that brings a zesty twist to any occasion. Perfect for those warm days when you want something sweet and tangy to lift your spirits.

Ingredients for Traditional Key Lime Delight

The graham cracker crumbs create a sweet, crunchy base that complements the creamy filling. Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the crust, balancing the tartness of the limes. Unsalted butter binds the crust together and adds a rich flavor.

Egg yolks are the base of our filling, giving the pie a smooth and custardy texture. Sweetened condensed milk sweetens and thickens the filling, while key lime juice provides that signature tartness. A touch of lime zest intensifies the citrus flavor.

The heavy whipping cream is whipped with powdered sugar to form a light, fluffy topping that balances the pie's tartness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh key limes for the most authentic flavor, but regular lime juice works in a pinch.
  • A microplane grater makes zesting limes a breeze without the bitter pith.
  • Chill your pie overnight for the best texture and flavor development.

Serving Suggestions

This pie is best served cold, straight from the fridge. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence, or serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad to complement the citrus notes. A chilled glass of sparkling water with a slice of lime is a refreshing accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh key lime juice is best, bottled lime juice can work if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without any added sweeteners.
How long will the pie keep?
The pie will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Traditional Key Lime Delight Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you a moment to gather your ingredients and set your mind to baking mode. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix them well until they resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. This will be your crust, so make sure it's even and compact.

Pop the crust into the oven and let it bake for 10 minutes. This brief baking time helps it set. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling. Now, grab a large bowl and whisk the egg yolks until they turn a pale yellow and slightly thick. Slowly whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, then the key lime juice and lime zest, making sure everything is well combined and smooth.

Pour this luscious filling into your cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the pie back in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until you notice the filling is just set. Once done, let it cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then transfer it to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours. This is crucial for the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.

Before you’re ready to serve, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until you see stiff peaks form. This means the cream is firm and holds its shape. Spread or pipe this whipped cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with additional lime zest or a few lime slices if you like.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly balanced between tart lime and sweet creaminess.
  • No need for a fancy mixer — a whisk and some elbow grease will do!
  • Uses simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
  • Impressive yet uncomplicated — great for both novice and seasoned bakers.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large egg yolks
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven to cool while preparing the filling.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and slightly thickened. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest, and continue to whisk until fully combined.
5. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling is just set.
6. Remove the pie from the oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Before serving, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
8. Garnish with additional lime zest or lime slices if desired.

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