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Key Lime Pie

A classic, tangy-sweet Key Lime Pie with a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, creamy filling. No-bake option available for the filling, but baking gives it the perfect set.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 23 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 47 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 pinch salt
Filling
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 14 oz (396 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 0.75 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp lime zest
  • 1 pinch salt
Garnish
  • lime wedges
  • extra lime zest

Equipment

  • 9-inch Pie Dish
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 3 tbsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
  3. Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
  4. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until slightly thickened. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add the fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
  5. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the filling is set (the center should jiggle slightly when shaken).
  7. Let the pie cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely chilled and set.
  8. Serve chilled, garnished with lime wedges and extra zest.

Notes

Key Limes: For authentic flavor, use key lime juice. Regular (Persian) lime juice works well too, though it's less tart.
No-Bake Option: The filling can be poured into the pre-baked crust and refrigerated (without baking) for 4+ hours. The texture will be creamier and less set.
Chilling is Key: For clean slices, ensure the pie is thoroughly chilled overnight.