Key Lime Pie Florida Style Recipe

Introduction

Key Lime Pie is a classic Florida dessert known for its tangy, creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust. This version boasts a perfectly balanced sweetness with fresh lime zest and juice, topped with fluffy whipped cream. It’s an irresistible treat that’s simple to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 150 g graham cracker crumbs
• 70 g granulated sugar
• 85 g unsalted butter, melted
• 4 large egg yolks
• 400 g sweetened condensed milk
• 120 ml key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tbsp finely grated lime zest
• 240 ml heavy whipping cream, cold
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Step 3: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 23 cm (9-inch) pie dish.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
5. Step 5: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and lime zest for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk in key lime juice until fully combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 12 minutes, until the filling is just set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.
9. Step 9: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
10. Step 10: Spread or pipe whipped cream over the chilled pie before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh key lime juice for the most authentic and vibrant flavor; bottled juice works well in a pinch.
• To add a crunchy texture, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut on top of the whipped cream.
• For a lighter topping, substitute the whipped cream with a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with honey and lime zest.

Storage

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the whipped cream topping’s texture, add it fresh before serving if storing longer. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for the best flavor and consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pie without egg yolks?

The egg yolks help thicken and set the filling, so omitting them may affect texture. However, some recipes use gelatin or cornstarch as alternatives for a similar result.

What can I use if I don’t have graham crackers?

You can substitute with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or any mildly sweet cookies crushed to crumbs for the crust.

Key Lime Pie Florida Style Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

This classic Florida-style Key Lime Pie features a tangy and creamy lime filling set in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with light whipped cream. It’s a refreshing dessert that combines the tartness of key lime juice with the sweetness of condensed milk, perfect for a summer treat or any time you crave a zesty, smooth pie.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 150 g graham cracker crumbs
• 70 g granulated sugar
• 85 g unsalted butter, melted

Filling

• 4 large egg yolks
• 400 g sweetened condensed milk
• 120 ml key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tbsp finely grated lime zest

Topping

• 240 ml heavy whipping cream, cold
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) to prepare for baking both the crust and the filling.
2. Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand, ensuring all crumbs are coated with butter.
3. Shape Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 23 cm (9-inch) pie dish, creating an even layer.
4. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly to set.
5. Prepare Filling Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and lime zest together for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the key lime juice while whisking, until fully combined into a creamy filling.
6. Fill Crust: Pour the prepared filling into the warm crust and smooth the top evenly.
7. Bake Filling: Return the pie to the oven and bake for 12 minutes, until the filling is just set but still slightly wobbly in the center, indicating perfect creaminess.
8. Cool and Chill: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let it thoroughly chill and firm up.
9. Prepare Topping: Using a mixer, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a smooth and airy topping.
10. Assemble and Serve: Spread or pipe the whipped cream topping evenly over the chilled pie. Serve immediately for a fresh and delicious dessert experience.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh key lime juice if available; bottled juice works as a good substitute.
• Be careful not to overbake the filling; it should remain slightly wobbly in the center when done.
• Allowing the pie to chill overnight improves the texture and flavor melding.
• Graham cracker crumbs can be substituted with digestive biscuits if you prefer a different crust.
• The whipped cream topping can be garnished with additional lime zest or thin lime slices for decoration.

Keywords: Key Lime Pie, Florida style, lime dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy pie, whipped cream topping, tangy dessert, sweetened condensed milk