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Dessert

The Best Key Lime Pie

A refreshing and zesty classic dessert that balances creamy sweetness with the perfect citrus tang.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 16, 2026
The Best Key Lime Pie
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
4 hours 45 minutes
Serves
8

There is nothing quite like a slice of Key Lime Pie on a sunny afternoon. It is the perfect blend of tart and sweet, and it always seems to be a crowd favorite at family gatherings or summer picnics.

My secret for the best results is to use genuine Key lime juice if you can find it. If you are in a rush, regular lime juice works too, but that authentic floral scent of the Key limes really makes this pie something special.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup fresh Key lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand.

  3. 3

    Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch pie dish.

  4. 4

    Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden, then set it aside to cool completely.

  5. 5

    While the crust cools, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice, and lime zest in a large bowl until smooth.

  6. 6

    Pour the filling into the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.

  7. 7

    Bake the pie for another 15 minutes, then remove it and let it cool on the counter before moving it to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours.

  8. 8

    Before serving, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form, then spoon or pipe it over the top of the chilled pie.

💡 Tips

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the cleanest slices, wipe your knife with a warm damp cloth between each cut. If you want a firmer topping, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your whipped cream.

#dessert#summer#pie#citrus#vegetarian

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