This is my favourite recipe for Key Lime Pie! This classic pie is simple to make, smooth, creamy and bursting with lime flavor — the perfect dessert to close out summer.

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Post Updated: 09/26/19

Simply Amazing Key Lime Pie

National Key Lime Pie Day is the perfect excuse to try this classic. Even if you’ve never made or tasted key lime pie before, this recipe is approachable, reliably delicious and full of fresh lime flavor.

The end result is creamy, tart and sweet. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare.

Note: this recipe uses regular limes rather than true Key limes. True Key limes are small and aromatic but require many more fruit to produce the same amount of juice. Regular limes are easier to juice, more affordable and give excellent flavor for home baking.

How to Make the Best Key Lime Pie

This pie has two main components:

The graham cracker crust
The lime filling

To finish, top the chilled pie with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, lime zest and lime twists for a bright, inviting presentation.

Graham Cracker Crust

Ingredients for the crust are simple: graham cracker crumbs, sugar, lime zest and melted butter. The lime zest adds a lovely lift to the crust but can be omitted if you prefer.

Use about 2 1/4 cups of crumbs to line a 9- or 10-inch pie dish. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides, then pre-bake the crust for a few minutes to set. Allow it to cool before adding the filling.

Lime Filling

The filling is surprisingly simple and not an advanced custard at all. It’s made with egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice and lime zest.

Beat the egg yolks until pale, then gradually add the sweetened condensed milk until the mixture is thick and smooth. Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice and zest. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake briefly — about 15–18 minutes — until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle, similar to cheesecake.

After baking, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least three hours or overnight so the filling fully sets. Waiting can be the hardest part, but it’s worth it.

Time to Decorate!

Finish the pie by sprinkling graham cracker crumbs and lime zest over the top. Pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edge and center, and add lime twists for a pretty, citrusy garnish.

To make lime twists: slice limes thinly, cut each slice almost in half but leave a small section intact, then hold the ends and gently twist to form a curl.

Did you try this pie? Leave a comment or rating to share how it turned out.

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More Key Lime Desserts

Key Lime Pie Pancakes

Key Lime Pie Pudding

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Let’s get baking!

Simply Amazing Key Lime Pie

Yield: 8-10 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 26 minutes

Total Time: 41 minutes

This classic pie is smooth, creamy and full of fresh lime flavor — an easy dessert to enjoy any time.

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

2 and 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
3 and 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lime zest
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

4 large egg yolks
2 (14-oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4–6 regular limes)
2 teaspoons lime zest

Topping:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Lime zest and slices for garnish
Graham cracker crumbs (optional)

Instructions

For the Crust:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9- or 10-inch pie dish.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and lime zest in a bowl.
Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the pie dish, covering bottom and sides.
Bake 6–8 minutes until slightly darkened. Cool completely.

For the Filling:

In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until pale, about 5 minutes.
Slowly add sweetened condensed milk while mixing on low until thick and combined.
Stir in lime juice and zest until incorporated.
Pour filling into the cooled crust and bake 15–18 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.

For the Topping:

Garnish the chilled pie with graham cracker crumbs and lime zest if desired.
Whip chilled cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks (3–5 minutes).
Pipe whipped cream swirls around the pie and top each with a lime twist.
Slice and serve.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

BON APPÉTIT!

Love, Dedra

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