Key Lime Pie
- Brianne Thomas
- May 12
- 3 min read
This summertime favorite offers tangy key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with a delicious homemade whipped cream.

When it comes to chilled desserts, few can rival the refreshing zing of a perfectly crafted Key Lime Pie. With its vibrant citrus flavor and creamy texture, this delightful treat has captured the hearts of many, including our family. In fact, our oldest daughter has made it a birthday tradition to indulge in this luscious dessert year after year.
Even though we live on the southern Gulf Coast, it is nearly impossible to find actual key limes. Oftentimes the only type readily available are Persian limes. These are the limes found most often in grocery stores. No worries, these limes will still get the job done!
What Does Key Lime Pie Taste Like?
Every slice of Key Lime Pie boasts a velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and fresh lime juice creates a custard-like filling that pairs beautifully with a crumbly graham cracker crust.
Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie Recipe
Easy to Prepare. This dessert is easy to prepare and can be made up to 2 days in advance. Hold off on the whipped topping until ready to serve so that it stays nice and fluffy.
Affordable. With just a few simple budget-friendly ingredients, this is a delicious dessert for any budget.
Flavorful. Key Lime Pie has a bright and tangy flavor and is the perfect addition to any warm-weather backyard BBQ!
Helpful Tips
Real Key Lime Juice. You can certainly use the fresh limes as recommended, or a store-bought 100% key lime juice. I highly recommend NellieandJoes. It can be found in most grocery stores and online.
Lime Extract. Don’t have homemade lime extract? No problem, vanilla extract will work just fine.
Proper Setting. You want to bake your pie until the filling is a bit jiggly only in the center. It will continue to set as it rests on the counter.
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Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup key lime juice
1 Tablespoon lime zest
4 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon Lime Extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, combine the 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs and ¼ cup granulated sugar.
Gradually stir in the ½ cup melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring the crust is firmly packed.
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, whisk together the 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup key lime juice, 1 Tablespoon lime zest, and 4 large egg yolks until smooth and fully combined.
Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
Return the pie to the oven and bake for approximately 15-18 minutes, just until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
In a cold mixing bowl, beat the 1 cup heavy cream, 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of lime (or vanilla) extract on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie before serving.
How to Store Key Lime Pie
Loosely cover the pie with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Freeze Key Lime Pie
Place prepared and cooled key lime pie into the freezer until frozen through completely. Wrap the frozen pie tightly with plastic wrap and/or aluminum foil. Enjoy within 1 month.

Did you make this Key Lime Pie recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out!
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