Classic Key Lime Pie

Ingredients

• For the crust: For the crust:
• 1 ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs 1 ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 4 large egg yolks 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 ounces/397g) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (14 ounces/397g) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup (120ml) freshly squeezed key lime juice ½ cup (120ml) freshly squeezed key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (5g) key lime zest 1 tablespoon (5g) key lime zest
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Whipped cream Whipped cream
• Lime zest Lime zest

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 32g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
3. 3.
   Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish to form the crust.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest until well combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake the pie for 15 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
7. 7.
   Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled and set.
8. 8.
   Before serving, garnish the pie with whipped cream and lime zest.
9. 9.
   Slice and serve chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Key lime zest — Make sure to use freshly grated key lime zest for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lime zest as it may lack the vibrant aroma.
• Sweetened condensed milk — Use a good quality brand for a rich and creamy filling. Avoid using low-fat or unsweetened condensed milk as it may affect the texture and taste of the pie.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the crust mixture for a subtle kick.
• To easily juice the key limes, roll them gently on the countertop before cutting and squeezing.
• If key limes are not available, you can substitute them with regular limes, although the flavor may be slightly different.
• To achieve a perfectly set filling, avoid overbaking the pie. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.
• For a decorative touch, pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edges of the pie before garnishing with lime zest.

Serving advice

Serve each slice of Key Lime Pie chilled for the best taste and texture. Optionally, you can add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice before serving.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the pie with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and contrasts beautifully with the vibrant green color of the pie.