Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Cream Pie, a classic dessert that beautifully balances tangy lime flavor with a creamy filling, all nestled in a homemade graham cracker crust. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or impressing guests at any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a luscious dessert that brings the essence of sunny days to your table. Topped with fresh whipped cream and garnished with lime zest or fruit, this Key Lime Cream Pie is guaranteed to be a hit at your next celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes of prep time, making it a breeze to whip up.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tangy key lime and cream cheese creates a delightful flavor profile.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for summer barbecues, holidays, or just a sweet treat after dinner.
- Homemade Goodness: A graham cracker crust adds an extra layer of deliciousness that store-bought options can’t match.
- Customizable: Adjust the tartness by changing the amount of lime juice according to your taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Key Lime Cream Pie, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 8-9.5 inch pie pan
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients; having multiple sizes helps manage different steps easily.
- Electric Mixer: Makes beating cream cheese smooth and quick, ensuring no lumps in your filling.
- Pie Pan: A good quality pie pan ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect crust texture.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups ground graham crackers
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
For the Filling
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup key lime juice
- Zest from 2 limes
For Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
How to Make Key Lime Cream Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into an 8′-9.5′ pie pan to form the crust.
- Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven and then let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In another mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Gradually add sweetened condensed milk while mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in key lime juice and lime zest until everything is well blended.
- Pour this creamy mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust.
Step 3: Bake Again
- Place the filled pie back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let it cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Once the pie has chilled for at least 3 hours, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over it just before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Key Lime Cream Pie!
How to Serve Key Lime Cream Pie
Key Lime Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its taste and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or a holiday dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your pie experience.
Classic Presentation
- Serve slices of Key Lime Cream Pie on individual plates, topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a classic look.
Garnish with Fresh Fruit
- Add fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries on the side for a burst of color and flavor that complements the tangy lime.
Lime Zest Decoration
- Sprinkle lime zest over the top just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and intensify the lime flavor.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist that balances the tartness of the pie.
Create Mini Pies
- Use muffin tins to make individual Key Lime Cream Pies. Perfect for parties and easier to serve!
Offer Toppings Bar
- Set up a toppings bar with options like toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or chocolate shavings for guests to customize their slices.
How to Perfect Key Lime Cream Pie
Achieving the perfect Key Lime Cream Pie is all about attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your pie turns out flawlessly every time.
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Use fresh key limes: Fresh key limes provide the best flavor. If unavailable, regular limes can substitute but may alter the taste slightly.
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Cool completely: Ensure that the pie cools fully before refrigerating. This helps set the filling properly, creating a smooth texture.
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Whip cream properly: Beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form but avoid overwhipping. Overwhipped cream can become grainy.
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Chill before serving: Refrigerate your pie for at least three hours. Chilling allows flavors to meld and enhances overall taste.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Cream Pie
Serving Key Lime Cream Pie alongside complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pie.
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Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut cookies pair perfectly with the tartness of your pie.
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Tropical Sorbet: A scoop of mango or passion fruit sorbet adds an exotic touch that harmonizes well with key lime flavors.
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Grilled Pineapple: Sweet, caramelized pineapple brings out tropical notes while adding warmth to your dessert table.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses balances sweetness with savory flavors, perfect for those who enjoy variety.
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Crispy Kale Chips: These healthy chips offer a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with your sweet pie.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The combination of sweet and salty creates an intriguing taste experience alongside your creamy dessert.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea keep guests cool and complement the zesty pie perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Key Lime Cream Pie can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the chilling step: Not allowing the pie to chill for at least three hours can lead to a filling that is too soft. Always refrigerate your pie to achieve the perfect texture.
- Using regular limes instead of key limes: While regular limes work in a pinch, they lack the unique flavor of key limes. For an authentic taste, opt for fresh key limes whenever possible.
- Overmixing the filling: Mixing too aggressively can introduce air, causing the filling to puff up during baking. Mix just until combined for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Not pre-baking the crust: Failing to bake the crust beforehand can result in a soggy bottom. Bake it until lightly golden for a crisp base.
- Neglecting to zest properly: Using too much white pith from the lime zest can make your pie bitter. Only use the green outer layer for a delightful flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Key Lime Cream Pie in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Key Lime Cream Pie
- Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Key Lime Cream Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm individual slices covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 20 seconds until warmed through; be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid; warm gently until slightly heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Key Lime Cream Pie?
Key Lime Cream Pie is a delicious dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and cream cheese poured into a graham cracker crust.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can substitute regular limes if key limes are unavailable, but the flavor will be different.
How long does Key Lime Cream Pie last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, Key Lime Cream Pie lasts up to 3 days. If frozen, it can last up to 2 months.
What can I serve with Key Lime Cream Pie?
This pie pairs well with fresh fruit like berries or additional whipped cream on top for an extra treat.
Final Thoughts
Key Lime Cream Pie is not only refreshing and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding more lime zest or even incorporating different toppings. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors at any gathering!
Key Lime Cream Pie
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Cream Pie, a classic dessert that perfectly balances tangy lime flavor with a creamy filling, all housed in a homemade graham cracker crust. This easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or impressing guests at any occasion. With minimal ingredients and a luscious texture topped with fresh whipped cream and garnished with lime zest, this Key Lime Cream Pie is sure to be the star of your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups ground graham crackers
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- ¾ cup key lime juice
- Zest from 2 limes
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into an 8'-9.5' pie pan to form the crust and bake for 10 minutes. Allow cooling.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in sweetened condensed milk, followed by key lime juice and lime zest until blended.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for another 10 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 112g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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