Introduction
Key Lime Pie is a traditional American dessert with roots in the Florida Keys. It's known for its tangy, refreshing lime flavor balanced with a creamy filling, all set atop a buttery graham cracker crust. A perfect treat for warm weather, it's simple yet sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons of melted butter
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup of Key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon Key lime zest (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Extra lime zest for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the crust:
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
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Make the filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until thick and pale. Gradually add the condensed milk, lime juice, and zest. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Pour the filling:
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
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Cool and chill:
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to set.
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Serve:
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with lime zest before serving.
Health Notes
- Key Lime Pie is relatively high in sugar and fat due to the sweetened condensed milk and buttery crust, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for those watching their sugar or cholesterol intake.
How to Enjoy
- Slice and serve chilled, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest. The contrast between the creamy filling, crunchy crust, and zesty lime is perfect for a refreshing dessert experience.
Tips
- For a quicker set, freeze the pie for 30 minutes before refrigerating.
- Fresh Key lime juice is preferred for its distinctive flavor, but bottled can be used if fresh Key limes are unavailable.
- Add more zest to the filling if you prefer a stronger lime flavor.
