Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
A tangy and creamy key lime pie with a crisp graham cracker crust, balanced by sweet and tart flavors. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 42 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup, freshly squeezed key lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 cup, cold heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- for garnish lime slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Step 2: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and set. Remove and cool.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, 4 large egg yolks, 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice, and 1 tsp lime zest until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 12 minutes until the filling is just set but still jiggles slightly.
- Step 5: Remove the pie from the oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Step 6: Before serving, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes).
- Step 7: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie and garnish with fresh lime slices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 42 minutes (20 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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