Easy Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust Recipe
This Easy Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is a refreshing and tangy dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, silky key lime filling, and light whipped cream topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, this pie is a delightful treat ideal for any occasion, showcasing authentic key lime flavor with a smooth, creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 18 Graham Cracker Sheets
- 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 10 tbsps (141 g) Salted Butter, melted
For the Filling
- 5 (90 g) Egg Yolks
- 2 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1/4 cup (60 g) Sour Cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) Key Lime Juice
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup (240 ml) Heavy Cream, cold
- 1/4 cup (30 g) Confectioners Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 tbsps Fresh Mint, chopped (optional)
- Key Lime Zest or Lime Zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine graham crackers, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a food processor and blend until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and blend until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Shape and Bake Crust: Press the graham cracker crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a springform pan to create a sturdy crust. Bake for 12 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with an electric mixer for 3 minutes until bubbly and pale. Add sweetened condensed milk and sour cream; mix briefly to combine. Slowly pour in key lime juice and vanilla extract while mixing until blended.
- Bake the Pie: Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Bake for 15 minutes until the filling is just set with a slight jiggle in the center. Remove from oven and let cool on the counter for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to chill and set.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Using an electric hand mixer, whip cold heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe onto the chilled pie.
- Garnish and Serve: Run a butter knife around the edge to loosen crust from pan. Garnish with lime zest, fresh mint, and lime wedges if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Do Not Overbake: Bake the pie until the filling is just set and still slightly jiggly in the center to avoid cracks.
- Let it Chill: Chill the pie thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Use Fresh Key Limes: For the best authentic flavor, use fresh key lime juice. Bottled juice can be used if fresh is unavailable.
Keywords: Key Lime Pie, Classic Dessert, Graham Cracker Crust, Citrus Pie, Summer Dessert, Easy Pie Recipe