Key Lime Pie with Graham Crust

Key Lime Pie with Graham Crust is a classic dessert that beautifully balances tart, creamy, and sweet flavors. Made with fresh key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a buttery graham cracker crust, this pie is the perfect combination of refreshing and indulgent

I love this recipe because it’s elegant yet effortless — ideal for summer gatherings, holidays, or when you crave something light but satisfying. The creamy filling with a hint of tang, nestled in a crunchy crust, makes every bite pure bliss.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s bright, zesty, and so easy to make! The tangy lime flavor cuts through the sweetness perfectly, while the graham cracker crust adds buttery crunch. It’s one of those desserts that feels luxurious but takes minimal effort.

The pie chills beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Plus, every bite feels like a tropical getaway — smooth, silky, and just the right balance of sweet and tart.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Key Lime Pie is a must-try because it’s timeless, crowd-pleasing, and requires only a few ingredients. Unlike many desserts, it’s refreshingly light, with a citrusy zing that keeps you coming back for more. It’s perfect for any occasion — from casual dinners to special celebrations.

The homemade graham crust adds a delightful texture, while the creamy lime filling feels rich yet refreshing. Once you try this version, you’ll never settle for store-bought pie again!

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2–3 hours
• Total Time: About 3 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: Approx. 380 kcal per slice
• Cuisine: American (Floridian origin)
• Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Graham Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Key Lime Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice if unavailable)
• 1 tablespoon lime zest

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Lime zest or thin lime slices (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into a pie dish.
3. Bake crust for 8–10 minutes and let cool slightly.
4. Whisk egg yolks, condensed milk, lime juice, and zest until smooth.
5. Pour filling into crust and bake for 12–15 minutes.
6. Chill the pie for at least 2–3 hours.
7. Top with whipped cream and garnish with lime zest before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Crust

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Make the Key Lime Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks until slightly thickened. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix well. Gradually whisk in lime juice and zest until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 12–15 minutes, just until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Chill the Pie

Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight) to set completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Whipped Topping

In a cold mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with lime zest or thin lime slices for a fresh, elegant finish.

How to Serve

Serve chilled slices of Key Lime Pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest on top. It pairs beautifully with iced coffee, herbal tea, or sparkling water with a citrus twist. This dessert is best enjoyed cold, especially on warm days or after a hearty meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor — bottled juice can be too bitter.
• Don’t overbake — the pie should jiggle slightly in the center when removed from the oven.
• Chill thoroughly for a firm, creamy texture.
• For a neat slice, use a hot knife and wipe between cuts.
• Add a pinch of salt to the crust for extra depth of flavor.

Variations for This Recipe

• Coconut Lime Pie: Add shredded coconut to the crust or top the pie with toasted coconut flakes.
• Chocolate Crust: Substitute graham crackers with chocolate cookie crumbs.
• Mini Key Lime Pies: Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut condensed milk and coconut whipped cream.
• Extra Tangy: Add an extra tablespoon of lime juice if you love sharp citrus flavor.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Storage: Keep refrigerated and covered for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the whole pie (without whipped cream) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Whipped Cream: Add fresh whipped topping just before serving to maintain texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Microplane or zester

FAQ

Q1: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
A: Yes, regular limes work well and still give a bright citrus flavor — though key limes are slightly more aromatic.

Q2: Can I use store-bought crust?
A: Absolutely! It saves time and still tastes great. Just skip the crust-baking step.

Q3: How can I make it less sweet?
A: Use slightly less condensed milk or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s best made a day in advance so it chills completely and sets perfectly.

Q5: My pie cracked while baking — what went wrong?
A: It may have overbaked slightly. Don’t worry — just cover it with whipped cream, and it’ll look perfect!

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie with Graham Crust is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet — a dessert that feels light yet indulgent. The buttery graham cracker crust complements the zesty lime filling beautifully, creating a refreshing bite every time.

Whether for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or a simple weekend treat, this pie never fails to impress. It’s easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and utterly delicious — a must-have recipe for any dessert lover’s collection.