Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Key lime pie with graham cracker crust always makes me think of my first beach vacation when I tasted a slice so tangy and creamy that I immediately asked the café owner for the recipe then I spent the rest of the trip dreaming about making it at home so when I finally did I felt like I brought a little piece of that sunny ocean breeze back to my kitchen then every bite reminded me of warm afternoons, sandy toes, and the sound of waves crashing.

Whenever I prepare this key lime pie now I feel like I’m escaping to a tropical paradise even if just for a moment so the bright citrus filling paired with the buttery graham cracker crust feels like pure sunshine on a plate then the fluffy whipped topping and fresh lime slices make it even more irresistible so I love sharing it with friends and seeing their faces light up after that first forkful.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Graham crackers – The main base for a sweet, crunchy crust.
• Sugar – Sweetens the crust and balances the tangy filling.
• Butter – Binds the graham crumbs and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
• Sweetened condensed milk – Creates a smooth, creamy, and sweet filling.
• Key lime juice – Gives the pie its signature tart and refreshing taste.
• Lime zest – Adds extra brightness and enhances the lime flavor.
• Egg yolks – Helps thicken the filling and makes it rich.
• Whipped cream – A light, fluffy topping that balances the tartness.
• Fresh lime slices – For garnish and a pop of color.

Tools You’ll Need

• Food processor or rolling pin – To crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs.
• Mixing bowls – For combining the crust and filling ingredients separately.
• Whisk – Helps blend the filling smoothly without lumps.
• Pie dish – To hold the crust and bake the pie evenly.
• Zester – To finely grate lime zest for extra flavor.
• Spatula – To smooth out the filling and spread whipped cream.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

I start by crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor then I mix them with sugar and melted butter until the mixture feels like wet sand so it presses together easily.

Step 2: Form the crust

I press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie dish so it forms an even layer then I bake it at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until lightly golden so it holds together well.

Step 3: Make the filling

In a bowl I whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks so it becomes smooth and slightly thick.

Step 4: Pour and bake

I pour the filling into the pre-baked crust then I bake it at 350°F for about 15 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly so it finishes setting as it cools.

Step 5: Cool and chill

Once baked I let the pie cool at room temperature then I refrigerate it for at least 3 hours so it fully firms up and becomes perfectly creamy.

Step 6: Add toppings

I top it with a big swirl of whipped cream and decorate with lime slices and extra zest so it looks fresh and inviting.

Tips

If you want a more intense lime flavor I sometimes add an extra tablespoon of zest so it really pops. I also like using freshly squeezed key lime juice for the most authentic taste but bottled juice works in a pinch. For an easy shortcut you can use store-bought graham cracker crust though I love the flavor of homemade.

Ways to Serve

I love serving key lime pie cold straight from the fridge on a hot day or with an iced coffee for a refreshing treat. It also makes a beautiful ending to a summer barbecue or beach themed dinner party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make key lime pie with graham cracker crust ahead of time?

Yes! I usually make it the day before so it chills overnight and the flavors develop even more.

Can I freeze key lime pie with graham cracker crust?

Absolutely! Just wrap it well and freeze so it stays fresh for up to two months.

Do I have to use key limes for key lime pie with graham cracker crust?

While traditional key limes give the best flavor you can use regular limes if that’s what you have on hand so it still tastes delicious.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this key lime pie with graham cracker crust a try soon! It’s like a slice of sunshine that I can’t wait for you to experience. Let me know how it turns out for you and share your photos or stories with me! Don’t forget to save or pin this recipe for your next special dessert.

Happy Cooking!

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