Layered Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream
A tart and sweet key lime pie featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, tangy homemade lime curd, and a fluffy whipped cream topping finished with fresh lime zest. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 28 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, melted, 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 320 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 unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lime zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake crust for 8 minutes until set and golden, then cool completely.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk 4 large egg yolks until smooth. Gradually add 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice, whisking until mixture thickens slightly and is well combined. Pour lime curd over cooled crust, smoothing the surface. Refrigerate pie for at least 3 hours until set.
- Step 3: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Dollop or pipe whipped cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with 1 tsp fresh lime zest before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 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 Layered Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream?
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 Layered Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream?
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 Layered Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream 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 Layered Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream?
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.
