Description
This classic Key Lime Pie features a zesty and creamy lime filling sitting atop a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a light whipped cream and garnished with lime slices. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, it’s an ideal refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs (about 12 whole graham crackers)
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- Two 14-oz cans sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
- 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice
Topping
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
- 8 to 10 thin lime slices
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position an oven rack in the middle. Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir with a fork and then your hands until fully combined.
- Form crust in pie pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9 x 1.5-inch deep-dish pie pan. Aim for about ¼-inch thickness, starting with the sides first, using your fingers and the bottom of a glass or measuring cup for even pressing.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it is slightly browned. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Lower oven temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F to prepare for baking the filling.
- Prepare and bake filling: In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, Greek yogurt, lime zest, and lime juice until smooth. Pour this thick lime filling into the warm graham cracker crust. Bake for 15 minutes until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and chill pie: Let the pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating it for at least 3 hours to chill thoroughly.
- Make whipped cream topping: Beat cold heavy cream in an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add confectioners’ sugar and continue beating until medium peaks form.
- Decorate and serve: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled pie. Garnish with grated lime zest and thin lime slices. Keep the pie refrigerated and serve chilled. Use a clean knife to cut clean wedges, wiping the knife between slices for best presentation.
- Make-ahead tip: You may prepare the crust a day in advance, but it is best to add the filling on the day of serving to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Notes
- Use 2% Greek yogurt as per the nutrition information provided, though whole milk Greek yogurt works equally well.
- Ensure the crust is properly cooled before adding the filling to maintain crispness.
- Fresh lime juice and zest are key for authentic tartness and flavor.
- Keep the pie refrigerated until serving to ensure proper setting and freshness.
- Wiping the knife between cuts ensures clean slices and a neat presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
