Best 5 Authentic Key Lime Pie Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing world of authentic key lime pie, a classic dessert that embodies the vibrant flavors of the Florida Keys. This iconic pie, celebrated for its refreshing citrus zing and creamy texture, is a harmonious blend of tangy key lime filling nestled within a crisp graham cracker crust. As you embark on this culinary journey, discover two delectable recipes that capture the essence of this timeless treat. The first recipe meticulously guides you through the traditional method of preparing key lime pie, ensuring a flawless result that stays true to its roots. Alternatively, if time is of the essence, the second recipe offers a delightful no-bake variation that delivers the same burst of key lime flavor without compromising on taste. Both recipes are adorned with step-by-step instructions, insightful tips, and beautiful images to ensure a seamless baking experience. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will empower you to recreate this iconic dessert in the comfort of your own home.

Let's cook with our recipes!

KEY LIME PIE



Key Lime Pie image

This key-lime pie can be topped with either whipped cream or meringue.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Pie & Tarts Recipes

Yield Makes 1 pie

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cups graham-cracker crumbs, broken into pieces
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 tablespoons sugar
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (about 17 limes)
1 tablespoon grated key lime zest, plus more for garnish (about 8 limes)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
3 tablespoons sugar
8 large egg whites
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

Steps:

  • For the Crust: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine graham-cracker crumbs, butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl; mix well. Press into a 9-inch pie plate, and bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Remove from oven, and transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled.
  • For the Filling: Lower oven to 325 degrees. In a medium bowl, gently whisk together condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and zest. Pour into the prepared, cooled crust.
  • Return pie to oven, and bake until the center is set but still quivers when the pan is nudged, 15 to 17 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
  • For the Whipped Cream Topping: Shortly before serving, combine cream and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium speed until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon over cooled pie and serve immediately.
  • For the Meringue Topping: Add topping shortly before serving. In a large bowl, combine egg whites, sugar, and salt. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread meringue on pie, making sure it touches the crust all around. Use a kitchen blowtorch to brown meringue all over.

TRADITIONAL KEY LIME PIE



Traditional Key Lime Pie image

I have been making this pie for many years. Every time that I serve it, people say "this is what a key lime pie is supposed to taste like". And they are right. I have tried those pie recipes using cream cheese or cool whip, but they are not authentic key lime pies. If you want the "real deal", this is it.

Provided by The Big Cheese

Categories     Pie

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 eggs, separated with one egg white separate by itself
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice
3 teaspoons grated lime rind
1 8 inch pie shell or 1 9-inch pie shell, baked and cooled
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup sugar

Steps:

  • Beat egg yolks.
  • Stir in sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice and rind.
  • In a small bowl, stiffly beat 1 egg white.
  • Fold into pie mixture.
  • Turn into baked pie shell.
  • Beat the three reserved egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy.
  • Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff but not dry.
  • Spread meringue on top of pie, sealing carefully to the edge of the pie shell.
  • Bake 15 minutes at 350° or until meringue is golden brown.
  • Cool in refrigerator at least 6 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.8, Fat 11.1, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 109.9, Sodium 170, Carbohydrate 45.4, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 36.3, Protein 8.1

CLASSIC KEY LIME PIE



Classic Key Lime Pie image

Creamy, sweet, and tart, this classic lime dessert is always a favorite.

Provided by Eagle brand

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     EAGLE BRAND®

Time 1h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 (14 ounce) cans EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
⅔ cup fresh lime juice
⅓ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons grated lime peel
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add melted butter and stir until evenly moistened. Press mixture into bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form crust. Bake 10 minutes or until crust begins to brown. Cool 15 minutes on wire rack.
  • Whisk sweetened condensed milk, lime juice and sour cream in large bowl until blended. Stir in lime peel. Pour filling into crust. Bake 7 to 10 minutes or until tiny bubbles begin to form on surface of pie. Cool completely on wire rack.
  • Beat cream, powdered sugar and vanilla in large mixing bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until stiff. Top pie with whipped cream. Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Best served the same day.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 730.8 calories, Carbohydrate 51.6 g, Cholesterol 99.1 mg, Fat 32.1 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 6.1 g, SaturatedFat 19.9 g, Sodium 287.4 mg, Sugar 42.9 g

STEVE'S AUTHENTIC KEY LIME PIE



Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 ounces graham crackers, crushed
4 ounces butter, melted
1 cup canned sweetened condensed milk, chilled
4 egg yolks, cold
1/2 cup key lime juice, cold
Whipped cream, for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • To make the crust, combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix well for 2 minutes. Mold the mixture into a greased, 10-inch pie shell and bake for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the crust from the oven and allow to cool.
  • To make the filling, combine the milk and the egg yolks and mix well. Slowly add the key lime juice and mix just until incorporated. Do not overmix or the pie will not set-up in the refrigerator. Pour the mix into the pre-baked pie shell and refrigerate until set.
  • To serve, slice the pie and serve with whipped cream or serve plain.

AUTHENTIC FLORIDA KEY LIME PIE



Authentic Florida Key Lime Pie image

You can't beat this tasty, quintessential dessert: Authentic Florida's Key Lime Pie.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/3 of a 1-pound box of graham crackers
5 Tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
1/3 cup of sugar
4 egg yolks
2 teaspoons of lime zest - be sure to zest before you squeeze the juice!
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened, condensed milk
2/3 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 24-36 limes depending on the freshness of limes), or 6-8 regular fresh limes (again, depending on freshness)
4 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
2 tablespoons of sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Break up the graham crackers; place in a food processor and process the crumbs. If you don't have a food processor, place the crackers in a large plastic bag; seal and crush the crackers with a rolling pin. Add the melted butter and sugar and pulse or stir until combined.
  • Press the mixture into the bottom and side of a pie pan, forming a neat border around the edge. Lightly form a border up the sides. Bake the crust at 350 degrees until set and golden for 8 minutes. Set aside on a wire rack, let cool. Leave the oven on.
  • For the filling, using a rasp or grater, grate 2 teaspoons of the lime skin. Then, using a hand press, squeeze 2/3 cups of key lime juice by cutting each lime in half and placing it in press (they are usually too small for a juicer).
  • Next, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Set aside the egg whites for the meringue if you want to use them later. Have your sweetened condensed milk opened, your juice finished and your zest ready for the next step.
  • In an electric mixer with the wire whisk attachment, beat the 4 egg yolks and 2 teaspoons of lime zest at high speed until very fluffy, about 5 minutes. Gradually add the can of condensed milk and continue to beat until thick, 3 or 4 minutes longer. Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the 2/3 cup of lime juice, mixing just until combined, no longer. Pour the mixture into the crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, or until the filling has just set. Cool on a wire rack.
  • For the topping, with a mixer, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar until forming stiff peaks.
  • Spread over filling and seal to edge of crust. Bake at 400 degrees for 5-8 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Note: Watch the oven and don't take your eyes off the meringue, it could brown quickly. Place in the refrigerator and let it chill for 2-3 hours.

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use fresh key limes. Key limes are smaller and have a stronger, more floral flavor than regular limes. You can find them in most grocery stores, or you can order them online.
  • Make sure your pie crust is pre-baked before filling it. This will help to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
  • Don't overbeat the egg yolks. Overbeating can make the pie filling curdle.
  • Bake the pie in a water bath. This will help to prevent the pie from cracking.
  • Let the pie cool completely before serving. This will allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Key lime pie is a classic dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy, tangy filling and graham cracker crust, it's the perfect pie for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just because, you're sure to enjoy this delicious pie.

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