Homemade Key Lime Pie

Name: Homemade Key Lime Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 270 min
Ingredients: 12 sheets graham crackers (made into crumbs); 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 pinch salt; 3 large egg yolks; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon key lime zest; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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This easy Homemade Key Lime Pie recipe comes together so quickly, it almost seems too good to be true! With just a few simple ingredients, fresh key limes, sweetened condensed milk, and a buttery graham cracker crust, you'll have a creamy, tangy, and downright irresistible dessert that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Key lime pie is a classic summer dessert that always makes an appearance at backyard barbecues—and the best part? It only takes about 15 minutes of prep time! Made with fresh key limes and sweetened condensed milk, it sets up beautifully in the oven and chills to perfection in the fridge. If fresh key limes aren't in season, no problem—there are easy swaps that still give you that signature zing.

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Whenever I see bags of key limes pop up at the store, you better believe I’m tossing a few into my cart. It's bright, fresh ans so good! The first time I made this pie, I was genuinely shocked by how easy it was to pull off. You’d never guess such a luscious, creamy pie could be so easy to make. I even use the same graham cracker crust recipe as I do for my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars, because it’s just that good!

🥧Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Sweetened Condensed Milk – This adds sweetness and that signature silky texture. Don’t substitute it with evaporated milk—they’re not the same.
Key Lime Juice & Zest – Fresh key limes are ideal, but if they’re hard to find, bottled key lime juice works well. Regular limes are also a fine substitute; the flavor will be slightly different, but still totally delicious.
Egg Yolks – These help the filling thicken and give it that rich, custardy texture.
Graham Crackers – Use whole graham crackers crushed into crumbs or substitute with pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs.

🥣How To Make Homemade Key Lime Pie

This pie is proof that homemade desserts don’t have to be complicated. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a showstopping key lime dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

STEP 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly moistened.

STEP 2

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

STEP 3

In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest until smooth and well combined.

STEP 4

Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Bake for 15 minutes. The center should be just slightly set and still have a gentle jiggle.

STEP 5

Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

STEP 6

Before serving, top with a generous swirl of homemade whipped cream. Enjoy!

💭Expert Tip

Use a food processor to make the graham cracker crumbs.
Let it chill completely. This helps the filling set up and gives you clean slices.

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If you tried this Homemade Key Lime Pie Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comment section below!

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