Key Lime Pie Florida

This classic key lime pie brings a bright punch of citrus balanced by creamy sweetness all on top of a luscious graham cracker crust. The blend of tart key lime juice and silky sweetened condensed milk creates a spoonable sunshine dessert that is always a crowd pleaser at warm-weather gatherings or as a special treat any time of year. Cool, light and irresistible straight from the fridge, it tastes like a mini Florida vacation without ever leaving your kitchen.

This pie was on repeat during my college days in Florida because it was quick to make and always vanished fast at potlucks. Now it is the number one birthday request from my family every June.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: Provide the crispy toasty base and soak up butter well Store-bought or homemade both work but choose a fresh box for crunch
• Granulated sugar: Helps bind the crust and adds a little sweetness Opt for fine sugar that dissolves easily
• Unsalted butter: Makes the crust rich and sliceable Pick a good quality butter for best taste
• Egg yolks: The star thickener for the dreamy filling Look for deep yellow yolks from pasture-raised eggs for richness
• Sweetened condensed milk: The essential creamy sweet element Choose a can with only milk and sugar listed
• Key lime juice: Gives that tart sunny flavor tucked in every bite Fresh is best but bottled pure key lime juice works in a pinch
• Lime zest: Packs a punch of aroma and color into the filling Scrub limes well before zesting
• Heavy whipping cream: Makes the topping soft and cloudlike Buy high-fat cream so it whips up light
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the topping Sift it first to avoid lumps in your whipped cream
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the pie’s flavors Real extract makes a difference in the whipped topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius so it is ready by the time the crust is assembled

Make the Crust:

Combine graham cracker crumbs sugar and melted butter in a medium-sized mixing bowl Stir with a fork or your hands until the mixture clumps together and feels like damp sand

Press the Crust:

Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a nine-inch pie dish Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crumbs into an even layer

Bake and Cool the Crust:

Bake the crust for eight minutes so it sets and becomes golden Cool slightly on a rack to prevent melting the filling

Make the Filling:

Whisk egg yolks and lime zest in a large bowl for about two minutes to thicken a bit and get the oils blooming in the zest Add sweetened condensed milk then whisk until completely smooth Finish by slowly whisking in key lime juice until fully incorporated and creamy

Fill and Smooth the Pie:

Pour the filling into your baked crust Smooth the surface with a spatula so it will set evenly

Bake the Pie:

Bake the filled pie for twelve minutes The edges should look set but the center will still jiggle slightly and finish setting as it cools

Cool and Chill:

Remove the pie from the oven Cool at room temperature to prevent sweating then refrigerate for at least three hours preferably overnight so the filling is thick and sliceable

Make the Whipped Cream:

Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla in a chilled bowl using an electric mixer on medium until soft peaks form The cream should be fluffy yet still curl on itself for easy spreading or piping

Top and Serve:

Spread or pipe the fresh whipped cream over the chilled pie right before serving Garnish with lime zest or thin slices if desired

Save

Key lime juice absolutely transforms this pie Every time I split open those tiny limes for zest the citrus fragrance makes me feel like summer is just around the corner. This was the first dessert my little nephew learned to help with and he still sneaks the whipped cream bowl at the end.

How to Store Your Key Lime Pie

Once the pie is fully chilled and topped keep it covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator It will stay delicious for up to three days. If you want to freeze it stop before topping with whipped cream and wrap tightly Slice and defrost in the fridge overnight before adding fresh whipped cream for the best texture

Easy Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find key limes use regular Persian lime juice Freshly squeezed is best but high quality bottled works too For a gluten free crust use certified gluten free graham crackers in the same quantity If you need a dairy free alternative try coconut milk based condensed milk and coconut cream for the topping

Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion

Key lime pie is perfect on its own or you can add more flair with a sprinkle of toasted coconut over the whipped cream or a quick raspberry sauce drizzled across each slice Serve very cold with a cup of hot coffee or a refreshing sparkling water with lime for the ultimate treat

Save

A Taste of Florida Sunshine

Key lime pie is the official state pie of Florida and you will see it on every menu from seaside shacks to high end restaurants Key limes were originally prized for their intense tartness and aroma making the pie ultra refreshing even in sweltering heat This recipe keeps those old school roots alive with a smooth no fuss filling and a crisp buttery crust

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I avoid a soggy crust?

Ensure the graham cracker base is firmly pressed and baked thoroughly before adding the filling. This helps develop a crisp texture that resists moisture.

→ Can I substitute regular limes if key limes aren't available?

Yes, Persian limes make a suitable alternative, though the final flavor will be slightly less aromatic than authentic key limes.

→ How long should the pie chill before serving?

A minimum of 3 hours in the refrigerator allows the filling to set and flavors to meld, though overnight chilling is even better.

→ What's the best way to achieve soft peaks for the whipped cream?

Chill the bowl and beaters beforehand, then whip cold cream with sugar and vanilla until it holds gentle waves but doesn't stand stiff.

→ Are there gluten-free options for the crust?

Gluten-free graham crackers can be substituted to accommodate wheat allergies or dietary needs. Check labels for certification.