Classic Key Lime Pie Recipe

We'll admit that we'll never turn down dessert. Truly, any kind of dessert is delicious in our eyes. While many desserts are indulgent, rich, and heavy, a classic key lime pie is unique in that it has a refreshing lightness that not many other desserts possess.

Recipe developer and registered dietitian nutritionist Kristen Carli, MS, RD brings us this recipe for a classic key lime pie. "I love a classic key lime pie," Carli raves. "It's one of my favorite desserts of all time. It works well any time of year."

When asked when she typically serves this pie, Carli notes, "This pie is ideal for family holiday celebrations, but it is also simple enough for the more frequent gatherings like baby showers. I've been known to serve this at book club meetings." While citrus, including key limes, are in season in the wintertime, we love how versatile this pie is — you can make it year round, and it comes together more easily than you might think.

Gather your ingredients for classic key lime pie

To make this classic key lime pie, you can start by gathering your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need egg yolks, key limes, sweetened condensed milk, and graham cracker crust.

Separate the eggs and juice the limes

Preheat the oven to 325 F. This recipe calls for egg yolks only, so start by separating the egg whites from the egg yolks. Save the leftover egg whites for another use. Then, zest three key limes to produce about 1 tablespoon of zest. Next, juice 1 pound of key limes to result in about ⅔ cup of lime juice.

Whisk egg yolks and add remaining ingredients to stand mixer

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add in the egg yolks. Using the whisk attachment, mix the egg yolks until they are aerated, light, and thick. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add in the remaining ingredients to the stand mixer: lime juice, lime zest, and the sweetened condensed milk. Using the whisk attachment once more, mix these ingredients until they are well combined.

Pour into crust and bake before chilling

Lastly, pour the newly-prepared filling into the graham cracker crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the pie from the oven and immediately place in the refrigerator to chill. How do you know the pie is done? "The pie will have a little jiggle, but it will not be wet," Carli explains. Once the pie has chilled for at least 1 hour in the fridge, you can slice and enjoy it.

Classic Key Lime Pie Recipe
5 from 42 ratings
This classic key lime pie couldn't be easier to make, and it only requires 4 ingredients.
Prep Time
1.25
hours
Cook Time
25
minutes
Servings
8
servings
slice of key lime pie
Total time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Ingredients
  • 3 eggs yolks
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • ⅔ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 325F.
  2. Separate the yolks from the egg whites. Discard the egg whites or use them in a different recipe.
  3. Zest and juice the key limes.
  4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the egg yolks until thickened and light.
  5. Add lime juice, zest, and sweetened condensed milk to the mixer. Continue to whisk until combined.
  6. Pour into the graham cracker crust and smooth out until even.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Allow to chill for at least 1 hour in the fridge. Then, slice and enjoy.
Nutrition
Calories per Serving 366
Total Fat 13.3 g
Saturated Fat 5.6 g
Trans Fat 0.0
Cholesterol 79.1 mg
Total Carbohydrates 55.7 g
Dietary Fiber 0.6 g
Total Sugars 43.5 g
Sodium 201.6 mg
Protein 7.7 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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