Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie 

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Ingredients Overview (Simple but Precise)

This recipe serves 8–10 slices.

For the Crust

  • 200 g graham crackers or digestive biscuits
  • 100 g unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Lime Filling

  • 1 can (397 g / 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 120 ml (½ cup) fresh lime juice
  • Zest of 2 limes

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended)

  • Lime slices
  • Fresh lime zest
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

  • 23 cm (9-inch) pie dish
  • Food processor or rolling pin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Zester
  • Citrus juicer

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

Crushing the Biscuits

Place the graham crackers (or digestive biscuits) into a food processor and pulse until you get fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, place them in a sealed bag and crush them using a rolling pin.

Tip: The crumbs should resemble wet sand once mixed with butter — not powdery and not chunky.

Mixing the Crust

In a bowl, combine:

  • Biscuit crumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar (if using)

Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Pressing Into the Pan

Pour the mixture into your pie dish. Using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, press firmly:

  • First into the base
  • Then up the sides

Make sure the crust is compact and evenly thick.

Baking the Crust

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.

Remove and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Making the Creamy Lime Filling

This is where the magic happens.

Whisking the Egg Yolks

In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become slightly paler and thicker. This usually takes about 1–2 minutes.

Adding Condensed Milk

Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while whisking continuously. The mixture will become smooth and creamy.

Incorporating Lime Juice

Add the fresh lime juice gradually while whisking.

Important Science Note:

The acid in the lime juice reacts with the proteins in the egg yolks and milk, naturally thickening the mixture. This is why Key Lime Pie sets so beautifully without flour.

Adding Lime Zest

Fold in the lime zest gently. This enhances aroma and flavor without adding bitterness.

Step 3: Baking the Pie

Pour the filling into the warm crust.

Smooth the surface with a spatula — it should look glossy and pale yellow.

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.

Do not overbake.

The center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate.

Step 4: Chilling (Very Important)

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Chilling allows:

  • The custard to fully set
  • Flavors to deepen
  • Texture to become silky and firm

Never skip this step.

Step 5: Decorating the Pie

Once chilled, decorate just before serving:

  • Thin lime slices in the center
  • Sprinkled lime zest
  • Optional whipped cream around the edges

This keeps the surface clean and elegant.

Texture & Flavor Profile

  • Crust: Crisp, buttery, slightly sweet
  • Filling: Smooth, creamy, tangy, refreshing
  • Balance: Perfect harmony between sweet and sour

This pie is not heavy, making it ideal after a rich meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using bottled lime juice
    → Always use fresh limes for authentic flavor.
  2. Overbaking
    → Leads to a cracked, rubbery filling.
  3. Skipping chill time
    → The pie won’t slice cleanly.
  4. Too much zest
    → Can make the pie bitter.

Variations You Can Try

No-Bake Version

Skip eggs and baking:

  • Use cream cheese + condensed milk + lime juice
  • Chill longer (6–8 hours)

Coconut Key Lime Pie

Add:

  • Coconut flakes to the crust
  • A splash of coconut milk to the filling

Mini Key Lime Pies

Use muffin tins for individual portions — perfect for parties.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days
  • Do not freeze (texture may change)

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve cold
  • Pair with coffee, mint tea, or iced tea
  • Best enjoyed on warm days

Why This Recipe Works

✔ Balanced acidity

✔ No artificial thickeners

✔ Simple ingredients

✔ Professional texture

✔ Authentic taste

Final Thoughts

This Classic Creamy Key Lime Pie is a timeless dessert that never fails. Whether you’re making it for family, guests, or content creation, it delivers flavor, elegance, and simplicity in every slice.

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