This Tropical Passion Key Lime Pie is your ticket to a mini vacation in dessert form. Marrying the tang of key limes with the exotic flair of passion fruit, it's a refreshing twist on a classic pie. Perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you need a burst of sunshine on your plate.
Graham cracker crumbs form the base of our crust, adding a nice, slightly sweet crunch. Granulated sugar helps to sweeten the crust just enough to balance the tart filling. We use unsalted butter to bind the crust and give it a rich flavor. The addition of sweetened shredded coconut introduces a tropical note that complements the pie perfectly.
The filling gets its creaminess from sweetened condensed milk, making it smooth and luscious. Egg yolks help set the filling while adding a rich depth. The star of our pie, key lime juice, brings a bright, tangy flavor that's unmistakable. Passion fruit pulp adds an exotic sweetness that pairs beautifully with the lime. A touch of lime zest enhances the citrusy aroma.
For the topping, heavy cream is whipped to airy peaks with powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla extract for a lightly sweetened, fragrant finish.
This pie pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or a tropical fruit cocktail. For a truly decadent dessert experience, serve with a side of fresh mango slices or a scoop of coconut ice cream.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you enough time to prepare the crust while the oven reaches the right temperature. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and shredded coconut. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated in butter and everything is evenly combined. This will be the foundation of your pie, so ensure it's mixed well.
Next, press this crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to press firmly and create an even crust. Once that's done, pop it into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Remove it and let it cool slightly while you move on to the filling.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, passion fruit pulp, and lime zest. Whisk until smooth and everything is fully incorporated. Pour this luscious filling into your prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
Now, bake the pie for about 15 minutes. You want the filling to be set but still a bit jiggly in the center. Once it's done, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. This step is crucial for the pie to firm up properly.
While the pie cools, whip up the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form, which means the cream holds its shape but is still smooth. Spread this whipped cream generously over the cooled pie.
Finally, chill your pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the pie its perfect texture.
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