The Ultimate Classic Key Lime Pie Recipe with Whipped Cream and Zesty Lime Garnish
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
A tangy and creamy classic key lime pie with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a bright lime zest garnish.
- Author: Emma Harper
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tbsp key lime zest
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- Lime slices or zest, for garnish
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form a crust.
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- For the topping, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
- Garnish with lime zest or slices before serving.
Notes
- For authentic flavor, use real key lime juice if available.
- Pie is best chilled for several hours to firm up properly.
- You can make the crust a day ahead for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg