Ingredients for Key Lime Pie
You’ll only need a few easy-to-find ingredients to make this irresistibly creamy and tangy Key Lime Pie. Each one plays a role in creating that signature sweet-tart balance and luscious texture. Here’s what goes into every bite:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Creates the rich, creamy base of the pie filling and delivers the perfect level of sweetness.
- Cream Cheese- Adds body and a slight tang to the filling, helping it set beautifully while enhancing its creaminess.
- Sour Cream- Gives the pie a smooth, velvety texture with a subtle tart flavor that complements the lime.
- Egg Yolks – Help thicken the filling and contribute to the pie’s silky consistency when baked.
- Key Lime Juice – Brings the bold, signature tang to this dessert. Bottled key lime juice works well, but fresh key lime juice offers the best flavor.
- Key Lime Zest – Boosts the citrus aroma and intensifies the lime flavor without adding more liquid to the filling.
- 10-inch Graham Cracker Pie Crust – A graham cracker crust is traditional, offering a crunchy, buttery contrast to the creamy filling. Other crusts (like vanilla wafer or shortbread) can also work.
- Sweetened Whipped Cream – Light, fluffy topping that balances the tartness of the pie and adds a creamy finish. Homemade or store-bought can both be used.
Equipment
To make this simple but show stopping pie, you’ll only need a handful of basic tools—nothing fancy required.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Used to combine the filling ingredients until the texture is smooth and uniform.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer – Ensures all ingredients are well blended and the filling is lump-free.
- Citrus Zester or Microplane – Ideal for zesting limes without digging into the bitter white pith.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for accurately measuring the lime juice, dairy, and other ingredients.
- Spatula or Spoon – Helpful for scraping the bowl and spreading the filling evenly into the pie crust.
Key Lime Pie Recipe
There's nothing quite like the tangy, sweet, and creamy goodness of a homemade Key Lime Pie. Topped with sweet whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest, this pie is both refreshing and indulgent. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to make in just one bowl!
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Medium bowl
- Citrus Zester or Microplane
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup room temperature cream cheese
- 1/4 cup room temperature sour cream
- 2 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- 1 10- inch pie crust (graham cracker crust is ideal, but other types can work well too)
- 2 cups sweetened whipped cream
Instructions
- Prep: If using a pie crust other than a pre-made graham cracker crust bake it now according to package instructions. Otherwise simply preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cans sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup room temperature cream cheese, and 1/4 cup room temperature sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate: Add 2 egg yolks to the mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. Pour in 3/4 cup key lime juice, and 1 teaspoon key lime zest. Mix again until the filling is very smooth and well blended.
- Bake: Pour the prepared filling into the pre-baked 10-inch pie crust. Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 17 minutes. The pie is ready when it jiggles slightly when you shake it lightly, but the filling moves together as one. It's normal for the pie to jiggle a bit—don't worry!
- Chill and Serve: Allow the pie to cool, then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours to set. Once chilled, top the pie with sweetened whipped cream. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with additional lime zest.
- Enjoy!: Serve the pie cold and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors!
Video
Notes
The pie can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
For best results, use fresh key lime juice. If you can’t find key limes, bottled key lime juice or regular lime juice can be used as a substitute. If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can adjust the amount of key lime juice to taste.
For best results, use fresh key lime juice. If you can’t find key limes, bottled key lime juice or regular lime juice can be used as a substitute. If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can adjust the amount of key lime juice to taste.
