top of page

Key Lime Pie: A Southern Classic

Description:
Savor the tangy and sweet delight of Key Lime Pie: a refreshing pie made with tart Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, all nestled in a graham cracker crust and often topped with whipped cream or meringue for a perfect Southern dessert. Discover the recipe here.
key lime pie.png

Historical Background:
Key Lime Pie, a beloved dessert in the Southeast, particularly in Florida, has its origins in the early 20th century. It reflects the region's access to Key limes and the tradition of creating refreshing desserts to combat the heat. Its simplicity and flavor have made it a staple in Southern cuisine.

​

Key Ingredients:

  • Key lime juice

  • Sweetened condensed milk

  • Egg yolks

  • Graham cracker crumbs

  • Butter

  • Sugar

key lime2.png

Flavor Profile:

Key Lime Pie offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors, with the creamy filling providing a smooth contrast to the crunchy graham cracker crust. The addition of whipped cream or meringue adds a light, airy texture to each bite.

​

Culinary Insights:

This iconic Southern dessert showcases the region's ability to create simple yet flavorful dishes using local ingredients. Key Lime Pie is celebrated for its refreshing taste, making it a popular choice for summer gatherings, coastal picnics, and Southern dinner tables.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

  • 1/2 cup Key lime juice (fresh or bottled)

  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional)

For the topping:

  • Whipped cream or meringue (optional)
     

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crust:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

    • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust.

    • Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.

  2. Make the Filling:

    • In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale and slightly thickened.

    • Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to whisk until well combined.

    • Gradually add the Key lime juice and lime zest (if using), whisking until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

  3. Bake the Pie:

    • Pour the filling into the prepared crust.

    • Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center jiggles slightly when shaken.

    • Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to firm up.

  4. Add the Topping:

    • Just before serving, top the pie with whipped cream or meringue if desired.

    • For a simple whipped cream topping, beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form, and spread or pipe it onto the pie.

    • For meringue, beat 4 egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the pie and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.

Enjoy your Key Lime Pie, a refreshing and classic Southern dessert!

Anchor 1
bottom of page