Key Lime Pie

5 from 11 votes

Learn how to make the best key lime pie with a perfectly sweet and buttery graham cracker crust. This easy key lime pie recipe features fresh key lime juice for a tangy, refreshing filling, balanced with the sweetness of condensed milk. Ideal for summer gatherings or as a classic dessert, follow our step-by-step guide to create this homemade key lime pie that everyone will love! Key Lime Pie with graham cracker crust and whipped cream.

Prep Time15

Cook Time18

Total Time33

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: key lime pie

Servings:

Equipment

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

12 Graham Cracker Sheets
6 Tablespoons Salted Butter (melted)

Key Lime Pie Filling:

(2) 14-ounce cans Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 large Egg Yolks
1/2 cup Sour Cream (preferably full-fat)
3/4 cup Key Lime Juice (or regular limes)
Zest from 1 Lime

Homemade Whipped Cream:

1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
1/3 cup Powdered Sugar

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until fine crumbs. Stir in melted butter and continue to pulse. If you don't own a food processor, place graham crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush using a rolling pin until fine crumbs. Pour into a bowl and stir in melted butter.
Press firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, using the back of a measuring cup or small glass. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Key Lime Pie Filling:

In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, lime zest, and sour cream. Pour into the graham cracker crust and bake for 10 minutes.
Let it CHILL. It is important to allow it time to chill in the refrigerator because this allows it to set-up. It needs at least 4 hours before slicing the pie.
In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold in powdered sugar. Add a dollop of whipped cream to each piece or pipe over the entire pie.

Notes

Can I make key lime pie ahead of time?

Yes! Key lime pie is best made a day in advance, allowing it to chill and the flavors to develop.

2. What’s the difference between key limes and regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, have a thinner skin, and are more aromatic and tart compared to regular limes. They are also slightly yellow when ripe. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes? You can substitute regular limes with key limes if you can't find key limes.

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