I had to bake this key lime pie twice before I could get these few shots. Not because I was fighting with the winter light, lack there of, or because I just couldn’t work out the recipe, which happens. No, this was because I couldn’t keep my sons from eating it before I had a chance to photograph it.
They know the drill … NEVER eat anything before mom takes pictures. They’ve grown up with this and consider it totally normal, even though it’s clearly not.
But, this pie inspired a mutiny of the François kitchen etiquette. They said they couldn’t help themselves because Key Lime Pie is their favorite.
The first pie came and went without a single picture. The second one I got these few, but when I realized the picture of the slice was out of focus and went to take another picture, the pie was gone. This time my kids had friends over to help them eat it, in case you think they ate two pies in as many days, by themselves.
Do I bake a third pie just for another photo? Maybe. Actually, I think I’ll get the boys to make it this time. I hope you enjoy it as much as they did!
Do you have pie questions or need to troubleshoot your recipe? Check out my guide on how to make pie crust.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 sleeve graham crackers (about 5 oz / 1 cup crumbs)
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 stick (4 Tbsp / 2 oz) unsalted butter melted
Key Lime Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup key lime juice fresh or bottled
- 2 limes zested
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 2 Tbsp sugar
Instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.
- In a food processor, crush the graham crackers until powdered. Add the sugar and butter and blend until it just starts to come together. Press the crumbs into a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 10 minutes.
Key Lime Pie Filling
- While the crust is baking. In a stand mixer, cream together the cream cheese and sugar. Add the yolks and egg one at a time, scrape down the bowl and beater after each one. Add the condensed milk, key lime juice and zest. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until it is no longer liquid in the center.
- Remove and cool at room temperature until you can comfortably hold the pie plate. Refrigerate until well chilled.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Whip the cream with sugar until medium-stiff peaks.
- Spread over the pie and serve.
- If you should have any left, cover loosely with plastic and keep chilled. This is unlikely to happen!
I made this key lime pie for my husband on father’s day and we both absolutely loved it. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with that delicious classic graham cracker crust. Thank you for an amazing recipe, Zoë!
This is Amazing!!! Happy Father’s Day to your wonderful husband!
Love that you made this!!! Zoë
This is by far the best Key Lime Pie I’ve ever had!! And at 70 years of age, I’ve made a few. Thank you Zoe!
Hi Zoe! Can you give a measurement/weight on the Graham crackers needed? They come in different options these days and it would be helpful to get this part right! Thank you!
My absolute favorite! I used to make this same exact pie all the time in my younger years. It’s the best ever. All these amazing flavors together are unforgetable!! Graham crackers w/REAL butter is something everyone in the world should eat whenever possible!
I can see why this pie caused a mutiny in your house, Zoe. I’ve been looking for the holy grail of Key Lime Pie recipes for years and I think this might be it! I made it on Sunday using regular limes, and it’s fabulous! The addition of cream cheese adds the lightness I’d tasted before in a few restaurant versions but could never recreate. Also, using brown sugar in the crust instead of white makes a difference too. It’s a definite keeper. Thanks so much!!
I love key lime pie, this is so pretty!
Eating the first pie is totally acceptable when it looks this delicious! I’ve been on a kick lately and made some in jars so I could sneak them out of the fridge every day. Looks great!
this seems to happen to me way too often, but it’s my husband and not the kids
A little witness and testimony! The best endorsement. It looks yummy. Thanks!