The Best Key Lime Pie

Sweet with a hint of tartness this key lime pie is perfect for a summer day. With only 7 ingredients this simple recipe is bound to be a hit. When key limes are in season this easy to make pie will become a go to recipe. 

Key lime pie is a dessert that I have been in love with since I was a teenager. It is such an easy to make dessert and a frequent request of mine. I have a buddy that I make this dessert for him for his birthday every year. It is one of his favorite desserts. 

In this recipe

One of the best parts of the key lime pies is the filling is usually only three things: key limes, condensed milk, and egg yolks. This recipe packs an added key lime punch with the addition of the zest of the limes as well. It takes about 30-40 key limes to make produce the needed juice. You can also buy key lime juice but make sure it is not from concentrate. I prefer to use fresh lime juice if at all possible. 

Ingredients for key lime pie 
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Making the key lime pie

When zesting the limes it is easier to do this before since they are so small. You will need the zest of about 10 limes to get all of the zest that you will need for the pie. Also at once the pie has been cooled and set add a little more zest for a little pop of color. With the lime juice and zest ready quickly whisk all of the ingredients to pour into the prepared crust. 

crust for key lime pie 
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key lime pie filling poured into the pie pan
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baked key lime pie 
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Preparing the crust

In order to get a nice even crust a flat bottomed object with angles similar to the pie pan will help. If you have two of the same pie pans then that the best to get a nice and even crust. One of the other things to consider is to make sure that the crust cools before adding the filling. This will help with making sure the pie bakes evenly. 

key pie on a copper cooling rack
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Checking for a wobble

Like cheesecake you will want to make sure that the filling is not completely set when you remove it from the oven. An easy way to tell is if the middle of the pie will wobble like Jell-O when the side of the pie is tapped. Then once removed allow it to come to room temperature before cooling in the refrigerator. This will keep the pie from splitting once it cols down. Also it is important to wait at least 2 hours for the pie to completely set. 

key lime pie on copper cooling rack
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Looking for other pie recipes?

Key lime pie in a glass pie dish
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The Best Key Lime Pie

Sean
A refreshingly sweet and tart pie perfect for the summer.
5 from 24 votes
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 546 kcal

Equipment

  • 9 in pie pan
  • Large bowl
  • Stand mixer with whisk attachment
  • Piping bag
  • Food torch
  • Piping bag with tips (optional)

Ingredients
 
 

Graham cracker crust

  • 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk 2 - 14 ounce cans, full fat
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 18 full sheet graham crackers
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons cinnamon

Key lime filling

  • 4 eggs separated
  • 1 cup key lime juice fresh squeezed, optional
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons key lime zest

Instructions
 

Making the Pie Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F, 177°C, or gas mark 4.
  • In a large bowl mix the butter, cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, and graham crackers. Pour into the pie pan spreading evenly on the bottom and sides. On the center rack bake the crust for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool.

Making the Filling

  • In a large bowl mix the egg yolks, lime juice, lime zest, and condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour key lime mixture into the prepared pie crust and bake for 15-20 minutes. To test the doneness of the pie tap the edge and the center should be barely wobbly.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Meringue Topping (Optional)

  • In a stand mixer combine the egg whites and the rest of the sugar and whisk on high until it forms stiff peaks.
  • Add you favorite piping tip to your piping bag and fill the bag to decorate.
  • Use the torch as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 546kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 12gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 298mgPotassium: 477mgFiber: 1gSugar: 65gVitamin A: 663IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 322mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition Disclaimer*
Keyword Brown Sugar, Butter, Condensed Milk, Eggs, Graham Cracker, Key Lime
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Key lime pie pinterest pin
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23 thoughts on “The Best Key Lime Pie”

  1. 5 stars
    Delicious! What a great key lime pie recipe. I loved the cinnamon in the crust ~ a nice touch. And the cook mode in the recipe card is great!

  2. Key lime pie is one of my favorite desserts and your recipe was so easy to follow and turned out delicious, just the way I like it. My family asked for it again.

  3. 5 stars
    I can’t believe how easy and delicious this lime pie is. Definitely the pie that I need in my recipe collection. YUM!

  4. 5 stars
    I finally found the BEST Recipe for Key Lime Pie. Not only was it super easy to make but also turned out picture-perfect. I used Persian lime juice since I couldn’t find key limes and it was delicious

  5. 5 stars
    This key lime pie is perfection! It turned out so creamy with the perfect bright, citrusy flavor. I’ll definitely make this again.

  6. 5 stars
    this key lime pie was excellent! I used ginger nut cookies for the crust, and it was utterly delicious, that filling really is a star of the show!

  7. 5 stars
    I have a hard time making key lime pie. I think I rush through it so I can eat it lol! Excited to give your recipe a try!

  8. 5 stars
    I made this for my son who absolutely adores key lime pie. He said it was one of the best he’s ever tasted and has asked me to make it at least once a month, LOL!

  9. 5 stars
    I love key lime pie, especially this one with the addition of cinnamon. It is truly a wonderful summer dessert!

  10. 5 stars
    This really was the best key lime pie!!! I think it was the zest, it adds so much key lime flavor but without any sourness. Such a clever idea.
    My hubby said it was the best dessert I have ever made. He ate 3 slices!

  11. 5 stars
    This is definitely my favorite pie! I made some for our cookout the other day and it disappeared so quickly I wished I had made two! it was really delicious.

  12. I have to say that key lime is one of my favourite pies. I’ve only made one once before and it did not turn out as I hoped. I will try your recipe next as yours looks perfect!

  13. 5 stars
    I made this key lime pie for my citrus-loving son and he almost didn’t share with the rest of us. The added cinnamon really gave the pie some warmth, too.

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