The Key Lime Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for all occasions. Its creamy filling, made with a few simple ingredients, paired with a homemade graham cracker crust makes it a standout treat. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving something sweet, this pie is sure to impress. With its refreshing citrus flavor and smooth texture, every slice feels like a taste of sunshine.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just four main ingredients for the filling, this pie comes together quickly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual get-together, this pie fits right in.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let it chill; it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge.
Refreshing Flavor: The tangy key lime juice balances perfectly with the creamy filling.
Versatile Topping Options: Top it with whipped cream or enjoy it plain; either way, it’s delicious!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your pie-making adventure, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Pie pan (8 – 9.5)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Electric Mixer: Saves time and ensures smooth mixing of the cream cheese and filling.
Pie Pan: A sturdy pan helps achieve that perfect pie shape and supports the crust.

Ingredients

The best Key Lime Pie recipe has a creamy 4-ingredient filling and homemade graham cracker crust. It’s so easy to make and great to make in advance.

1½ cups ground graham crackers ((150g), (about 12 full sheets, crushed))
1/3 cup granulated sugar ((67g))
6 Tablespoons butter ((86g), melted)
2 14 ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
4 ounces cream cheese, softened (full fat)
¾ cup key lime juice ((170g))
zest from 2 regular limes, or 4 key limes
1 cup heavy whipping cream ((227g))
1/4 cup powdered sugar ((30g))
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Key Lime Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the ground graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined.
Pour the crumb mixture into an 8 – 9.5 pie pan.
Press it firmly into the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides.
Bake for 10 minutes then remove from the oven to cool.

Step 2: Make the Key Lime Filling

In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese.
Beat it well with electric beaters until smooth and creamy.
Add both cans of sweetened condensed milk along with the key lime juice and zest; mix until smooth.
Pour this mixture into your prepared graham cracker crust.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Place the filled pie back in the preheated oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
After baking, allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Once cooled, refrigerate for at least three hours before serving.

Step 4: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping

In a mixing bowl, add heavy whipping cream.
Beat with electric mixers for about one minute until it starts thickening.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Spread or pipe this whipped cream on top of your cooled Key Lime Cream Pie just before serving.

Enjoy every slice of this delightful Key Lime Cream Pie!

How to Serve Key Lime Cream Pie

Key Lime Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its refreshing flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your pie experience.

Classic Slice

Serve a generous slice of chilled Key Lime Cream Pie topped with a dollop of whipped cream for a traditional treat.

Garnished with Fresh Fruit

Add slices of fresh strawberries or blueberries on the side for a burst of color and additional sweetness.

With Coconut Flakes

Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the whipped cream for added texture and a tropical twist.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for an indulgent dessert combination.

Drizzled with Lime Syrup

Lightly drizzle some lime syrup over the pie before serving to enhance the citrus flavor.

Served in Mini Tarts

Create individual servings by making mini Key Lime Cream Pies in tart shells for easy sharing at gatherings.

How to Perfect Key Lime Cream Pie

To achieve the ultimate Key Lime Cream Pie, consider these expert tips for an exceptional dessert every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh key lime juice whenever possible, as it provides a brighter flavor than bottled juice.
Chill Thoroughly: Allow the pie to chill for at least three hours before serving. This helps the filling set properly and enhances the flavors.
Beat Cream Cheese Well: Ensure the cream cheese is thoroughly beaten until smooth; this prevents lumps in your filling.
Don’t Overbake: Bake just until set. Overbaking can lead to a tough texture; you want the filling to remain creamy.
Whip Cream Just Right: Beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, but avoid over-whipping, which can turn it grainy.
Zest Wisely: Use fresh zest from limes for added aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your pie.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Cream Pie

Pairing side dishes with your Key Lime Cream Pie can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its zesty charm.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers – These add a savory touch that balances the sweetness of the pie; simply season shrimp and grill until cooked through.
Coconut Rice – The creamy texture and mild sweetness of coconut rice pair beautifully with the tartness of Key Lime.
Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness, making it a perfect contrast to the rich pie.
Tropical Fruit Salad – Combine pineapple, mango, and kiwi for a refreshing side that echoes tropical flavors.
Avocado Toast – The creaminess of avocado on toast offers a savory option that contrasts well with sweet desserts.
Chips and Salsa – A crunchy snack like tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provides an interesting textural contrast.
Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of cheeses that are slightly tangy or creamy; they pair nicely without overshadowing the dessert.
Lemon Sorbet – A refreshing sorbet serves as a palate cleanser between bites of pie, enhancing your dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Key Lime Cream Pie can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for achieving the best results.

Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements ensure a balanced flavor and texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Overmixing the filling: Overmixing can introduce extra air and change the texture. Mix just until smooth to keep it creamy.
Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the pie to cool before refrigerating helps set it properly. Skipping this step may lead to a runny filling.
Using low-quality key limes: Fresh, high-quality key limes provide the best flavor. Always choose ripe limes for your pie.
Neglecting the crust: A well-baked crust adds flavor and structure. Make sure to bake it until lightly golden for a perfect base.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Key Lime Cream Pie in an airtight container.
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Key Lime Cream Pie

Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Key Lime Cream Pie

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covered, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Key Lime Cream Pie?

Key Lime Cream Pie is a delicious dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and cream cheese, all nestled in a graham cracker crust.

How do I make my Key Lime Cream Pie more tart?

To enhance the tartness of your Key Lime Cream Pie, add more key lime juice or adjust the lime zest amount according to your taste preference.

Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use bottled key lime juice if fresh key limes are not available. However, fresh juice provides a brighter flavor.

How long does Key Lime Cream Pie last?

Key Lime Cream Pie lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months if frozen properly.

Can I customize my Key Lime Cream Pie?

Absolutely! You can customize your Key Lime Cream Pie by adding different toppings like fruit or coconut or adjusting the sweetness level based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Cream Pie recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy and creamy flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to suit various tastes—feel free to experiment with different toppings or adjustments! Give this easy-to-make dessert a try and impress your friends and family at your next gathering!

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Key Lime Cream Pie

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the creamy bliss of Key Lime Cream Pie, a refreshing dessert that perfectly balances tangy citrus with a rich, velvety filling. This delightful treat features a homemade graham cracker crust that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. Ideal for summer barbecues, birthday celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this pie is sure to impress friends and family alike. Its bright flavor and smooth texture make every slice feel like a taste of sunshine, making it a must-try recipe for any dessert lover.

Ingredients

Scale

1½ cups ground graham crackers
1/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¾ cup key lime juice
Zest from 2 regular limes or 4 key limes
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix ground graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into an 8" – 9.5" pie pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest; mix until creamy. Pour into the cooled crust.
Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before refrigerating for at least three hours.
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie just before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American