Whipped Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Tangy and smooth key lime filling over a buttery graham cracker crust topped with fluffy whipped cream. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 38 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
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lime zest
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. Press evenly into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Step 2: Bake crust for 8 minutes until fragrant and edges begin to brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 3 large egg yolks until pale and thick, about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, then stir in 1/2 cup key lime juice and 1 tsp lime zest until fully combined.
- Step 4: Pour filling into cooled crust. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove and cool to room temperature, then chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Step 5: To make topping, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar at high speed until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Spread whipped cream over chilled pie before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whipped Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 38 minutes (20 min prep + 18 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 Whipped 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 Whipped 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 Whipped 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 Whipped 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.
