Key Lime Pie is the ultimate summer dessert recipe. Sweet, tart, light and refreshing; don’t let Labor Day come and go without making this recipe!
Key lime pie is a classic summer treat in Florida and folks are always astonished when they see just how easy it is to prepare a delicious pie. Four ingredients and 30 minutes yields you a silky, sweet, tart, slice of heaven. I like to serve ours after a yummy meal of mango salsa, coconut chicken, or teriyaki chicken kabobs.
Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 Sweet, tart, and refreshing.
📌 Only 4 ingredients.
📌 Perfect for enjoying the summer vibes any time of year.
Key Lime Pie Ingredients
- Key lime juice – it’s important to use key lime juice or some combination of juices that includes key lime to get the authentic flavor. You don’t have to squeeze your own (key limes are tiny!), just look in the juice section of your market and you’ll find key lime juice there!
- Sweetened condensed milk – this is the ingredient that helps make your pie perfectly sweet and silky smooth. I never make a key lime pie without sweetened condensed milk!
- Eggs – the eggs give your keylime pie the custard like texture and they are what allow it to set up and become firm.
- Graham cracker pie crust – you can make your own graham cracker crust if you like, but I find the premade ones at the grocery store work just fine!
How do you make a classic key lime pie? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, combine key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk and eggs in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until the ingredients are well blended.
⭐ Then, pour into pie crust and bake until pie is just set.
⭐ Next, allow to cool completely.
⭐ Finally, garnish with whipped cream and lime slices.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can you substitute lime for key lime?
The short answer is yes, you can substitute lime for key lime. Regular limes (which are actually Persian limes) are more tart, so just remember that when making the substitution.
Also, since regular limes are larger than key limes, if the recipe calls for a specific number of key limes, you’ll want to make the conversion so you’re not adding too much lime juice.
Can you use regular limes in a key lime pie?
Yes, you can use regular limes. The caveat of course being that the resulting flavor, if you use lime for key lime in your pie, will be more tart than intended. Also, I’m not sure you could still call it a key lime pie in good faith!
Storage and leftovers
Refrigeration
After the pie has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for 3 -4 days.
Freezing
To freeze key lime pie, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, ensuring there are no exposed areas. The pie can be frozen for 2-3 months.
Thawing
To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly for several hours or overnight. This gradual thawing will help maintain the pie’s texture and prevent any excessive moisture.
Frequently asked questions
What does key lime pie taste like?
Key lime pie is tart and sweet with a delicious crunchy and buttery graham cracker crust. I delivered this recipe to my next door neighbor after making two pies on our live show (yes, I kept the other one for myself), and she declared it “perfectly tangy”! Which is exactly how it ought to be described.
Is key lime pie baked?
Historically, key lime pie wasn’t actually baked, instead the acidity in the limes “cooked” the eggs and set the pie. Nowadays a classic key lime pie is baked for a short period.
What is the difference between a lime and a key lime?
The differences between a lime and a key lime are size and flavor. A key lime is much smaller than a standard Persian lime and a key lime is also less tart. This is because conventional limes have more acidity.
More great pie recipes
- Pecan Pie Recipe
- Classic Pumpkin Pie
- S’mores Pie
- Easy lemon pie recipe
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie
- Take a look at all our pie recipes!
More Recipes with Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Easy Pumpkin Pudding
- Pumpkin Cheese Cake
- Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream
- Coffee Jelly Recipe
- Pumpkin Pie Bars
- Strawberry Ice Cream (no churn)
- Check out all our sweetened condensed milk recipes!
Recommended tools
- Nellie & Joe Key West Lime Juice – my very favorite key lime juice for this recipe. It’s actually a blend, but it works great if you don’t want to squeeze all those tiny key limes!
- Graham Cracker Pie Crust – so much easier than making your own crust!
- Pioneer Woman Stoneware Pie Plate – well if you’re making a pie, you’re going to need a pie plate!
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How to make key lime pie
Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- 1 cup key lime juice or as little as 1/2 cup if you prefer less tartness - you can use regular lime juice in a pinch too!
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk 14 ounce cans
- 2 eggs
- 1 graham cracker pie crust 9" if you want an overfilled pie like the one pictured, or 11" if you're planning to do a meringue on top
- optional garnish: whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk and eggs in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until the ingredients are well blended.
- Pour into pie crust and bake at 375 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool, garnish with whipped cream, & ENJOY!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Love cooking? Try this flank steak marinade the next time you grill!
Key Lime Pie
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Originally published Jun 26, 2011
pelenaka says
Love Key Lime Pie. U have a recipe for Key West Sunset, sorry it's been drank & dreary here in Western NY.
REBECA says
RiCURA!
Denay DeGuzman says
Now that beautiful summer weather is here, I’ve been obsessed with Kenny Chesney’s Key Lime Pie song, so this beautiful flavorful recipe came at just the perfect time! Mmmm…my, my, my key lime pie… It’s so delicious!
Amanda Finks says
I love how refreshing and creamy this pie is! Such a perfect summer dessert recipe!
Rusti Burnett says
This recipe is simple and so delicious!
April says
so glad you enjoyed our key lime pie!