Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a classic American dessert that’s known for its sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavor.
It’s made with a delicious filling that incorporates key lime juice, which gives it its distinctive taste, and it’s typically served with a graham cracker crust. Here’s a simple recipe to make a traditional key lim pie:
Ingredients:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 12 graham crackers)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Key Lime Filling:
4 large egg yolks
14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (or regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable)
1 tablespoon key lime zest (or regular lime zest)
For the Whipped Cream Topping (optional):
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish to create the crust.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.
Allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
For the Key Lime Filling:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale and slightly thickened.
Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Add the key lime juice and key lime zest, and whisk until everything is well combined.
Pour the key lime filling into the prepared graham cracker crust.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly golden.
The center should still have a slight jiggle.
Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or until it’s thoroughly chilled and set.
For the Whipped Cream Topping (optional):
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled key lime pie just before serving.
Key lime pie is a perfect dessert for warm weather and a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
It’s a popular treat in the southern United States, particularly in Florida, where key limes are grown.
Enjoy a slice of this pie as a refreshing ending to a meal.