The Best Southern Key Lime Pie Recipe

This vibrant key lime pie marries tangy citrus with beloved sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and zesty notes from fresh limes encased in a crisp pre-made graham cracker crust. A delightful summer treat with a refreshing burst of flavor that is both comforting and indulgent, making it a must-try dessert.

I’ve always been a fan of tangy and sweet desserts, and this Best Southern Key Lime Pie recipe is hands down one of my favorites. This recipe is a Simple Key Lime Pie Recipe that is quick and easy to make, especially when you use a pre-made graham cracker crust.

I mix a can of sweetened condensed milk with 3 large egg yolks until they blending nicely, then add 1/2 cup of fresh key lime juice and the zest of 2 key limes. The balance of flavors creates a tangy and creamy filling that reminds me of Traditional Key Lime Pie recipes I grew up with.

A Classic Key Lime Pie Recipe really don’t get simpler than this, and its quick preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights. I sometimes like to top it off with a dollop of whipped cream.

Its texture and flavor are heavenly while also being a pretty low calorie treat compared to other pies. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the pie perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors, it reminds me of the best summer days even when I’m just chilling at home.
2. I really like that it’s super easy to whip up, especially since I can just use a pre-made crust, which saves me tons of time and stress.
3. Every time I make it, I can’t help but think about my family trips to the South and all the good memories, which makes it extra special to me.
4. I enjoy that I can customize it a little, like adding whipped cream on top for that extra creamy kick if I’m feeling indulgent.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crust provides carbs and a crunchy base that gives comfort and texture.
• Sweetened condensed milk adds rich sweetness and creaminess to balance the tart lime flavor.
• Egg yolks adds healthy fats and proteins, helping thicken the delicious filling.
• Fresh key lime juice delivers an invigorating sour tang that livens up the pie.
• Key lime zest infuses extra citrus oils, giving the dessert a bright finish.
• Whipped cream tops off the pie with a light, fluffy sweetness if you like it.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice
• Zest of 2 key limes
• Optional: whipped cream for topping

How to Make this

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F so its nice and ready for baking.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, 3 large egg yolks, 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice, and the zest of 2 key limes until well combined.

3. Pour the mixture into your pre-made graham cracker crust, and try to smooth out the top a bit.

4. Pop the pie into the oven and bake it for about 10 to 12 minutes until you see the edges start to set, but the center might still jiggle a little.

5. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool down at room temperature before doing anything else.

6. After it’s cooled, put the pie in the fridge and chill it for at least 3 hours so it firms up nicely.

7. When you’re ready to serve, top it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream if you want that extra creamy kick. Enjoy your pie!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven that can be preheated to 350°F
2. Medium mixing bowl for combining ingredients
3. Measuring cups and spoons for the key lime juice and other ingredients
4. Zester or fine grater for the lime zest
5. Whisk or fork to mix the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and zest
6. Pie plate to hold the pre-made graham cracker crust
7. Spatula to help smooth out the filling
8. Cooling rack or flat surface to let the pie cool before chilling
9. Refrigerator to properly chill and firm up the pie
10. Oven mitts so you can safely take the pie out of the oven

FAQ

The Best Southern Key Lime Pie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of the pre-made graham cracker crust you can use a mix of crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter to press into the pan.
• If you dont have sweetened condensed milk on hand, try making your own by simmering whole milk with sugar until it thickens up a bit.
• Not finding key lime juice? Regular lime juice and zest can work just as fine.
• You can swap the egg yolks with an extra dash of condensed milk if you want to avoid eggs, but the texture might be slightly different.
• Instead of whipping cream, a dollop of mascarpone or even cream cheese sweetened lightly can be a tasty alternative topping.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Make sure your egg yolks are at room temperature before you mix them. It helps everything blend together more evenly and makes for a smoother filling.

Tip 2: Be careful not to overmix the filling once all the ingredients are in. Overdoing it can cause the eggs to break down too much, and you wanna avoid a mess.

Tip 3: When you chill your pie, don’t be afraid to let it sit in the fridge a little longer than the minimum time. A longer chill not only firms it up better but also lets the flavors really get to know each other.

Tip 4: If you’re into a little extra zing, try upping the lime zest or adding a little more key lime juice next time. It can brighten up the flavor even more, especially if you top it off with whipped cream.