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+ servings

California-Inspired Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Experience the vibrant tang of this quintessential Key lime pie, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, zesty filling.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Baked Goods, Dessert, Pies
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

Buttery Graham Cracker Crust
  • 12 sheets graham crackers
  • 6 tablespoons (3 fl oz / 90 ml) salted butter melted
Tangy Key Lime Pie Filling
  • 2 cans (14 ounces / 397g each) sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (4 fl oz / 120 ml) sour cream
  • 3/4 cup (6 fl oz / 180 ml) fresh Key lime juice
  • Zest from 1 Key lime
Fluffy Whipped Cream Topping
  • 1 1/2 cups (12 fl oz / 360 ml) heavy whipping cream chilled
  • 1/3 cup (about 1.3 oz / 38g) confectioners' sugar

Method
 

Crafting the Graham Cracker Crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, finely grind the graham cracker sheets into crumbs. Incorporate the melted butter and pulse until well combined. Alternatively, crush crackers in a sealed bag with a rolling pin and stir in melted butter.
  2. Firmly press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, using the back of a measuring cup or a small glass to create an even layer. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then set it aside to cool completely.
Preparing the Key Lime Pie Filling
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, Key lime juice, Key lime zest, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. Pour this vibrant filling into your cooled graham cracker crust.
  2. Bake the pie for 10 minutes. After baking, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. It is crucial to chill the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure it sets properly before slicing.
Making the Homemade Whipped Cream
  1. In a large, chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form. Gently fold in the confectioners' sugar until just combined. Serve each slice of pie with a generous dollop of this fresh whipped cream, or pipe it decoratively over the entire pie before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 11gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 98mgFiber: 1gSugar: 44g

Notes

For the best flavor, plan to make your Key lime pie a day in advance; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the pie to set perfectly.
If Key limes are hard to find, regular Persian limes can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different, being less aromatic and intensely tart.
Store leftover Key lime pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Ensure all dairy ingredients for the filling are at room temperature before mixing to prevent curdling and achieve a smoother texture.
For a cleaner slice, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut.
Consider garnishing with extra Key lime zest or thin lime slices for an elegant presentation.
Freezing is an option; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

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