Green Key Lime Pie (Print Version)
Tangy, creamy lime filling with a crisp graham crust and whipped cream topping.
# What You Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Filling
04 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
05 - 4 large egg yolks
06 - 1/2 cup key lime juice
07 - 2 teaspoons key lime zest
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - Green food coloring (optional)
→ Topping
10 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Extra lime zest or thin lime slices for garnish
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
03 - Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
04 - Bake crust for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, lime zest, salt, and a few drops of green food coloring until smooth and evenly colored.
06 - Pour filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
07 - Bake for 7 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
08 - Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
09 - Before serving, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to soft peaks.
10 - Spread or pipe whipped cream over the pie, then garnish with lime zest or slices.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The filling balances sweet and tart so perfectly you will catch yourself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the mixing bowl
- This pie comes together faster than most other desserts but looks like you spent all day making it
02 -
- The filling should still jiggle slightly in the center when you remove it from the oven because it will continue to firm up as it chills and overbaking leads to a cracked grainy texture
- Room temperature eggs incorporate much more smoothly into the filling so pull them out about 30 minutes before you start cooking
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients are your best friend for achieving that silky smooth filling texture so do not rush this step
- Use fresh key lime zest rather than bottled for the most aromatic and bright citrus flavor that really makes this pie sing