The Perfect Key Lime Pie Recipe: Tangy, Sweet & Unforgettable

Key lime pie weaves a tropical magic that instantly transports you to sunny Florida coastlines.

Zesty citrus notes dance across a creamy landscape of sweet indulgence.

Coastal bakers have perfected this dessert through generations of culinary creativity.

Delicate graham cracker crusts cradle a silky filling that whispers of summer adventures.

Bright green hints peek through each slice, promising refreshing tang and pure comfort.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this classic southern treat.

Why Nigella Key Lime Pie Is A Zesty Favorite

• Master Quick Dessert: Zero complex steps let anyone create a delectable key lime pie with minimal baking skills needed.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone craves a tangy-sweet dessert.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few pantry staples like condensed milk, graham crackers, and lime, making grocery shopping a breeze.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare in advance and refrigerate, freeing up kitchen time for socializing during events and eliminating last-minute stress.

What Goes Into Nigella Key Lime Pie

• Graham Crackers: Classic sweet biscuits that form the foundation of the pie crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and creates a rich, cohesive crust.

• Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the creamy filling.
• Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
• Key Lime Juice: Delivers the signature tangy and bright citrus flavor.
• Key Lime Zest: Enhances the lime flavor with concentrated citrus oils.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the silky and creamy consistency of the filling.

• Whipping Cream, Granulated Sugar: Create a light and sweet whipped cream topping that complements the tart filling.
• Additional Lime Zest: Provides a fresh garnish and extra lime aroma.

How To Make Nigella Key Lime Pie Easily

Step 1: Crush Graham Crackers

Place graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. The texture should resemble soft sand with no large chunks remaining.

Step 2: Create Buttery Crust Foundation

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter

Mix crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering bottom and sides evenly. Smooth the surface using the back of a spoon or measuring cup. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set the crust.

Step 3: Prepare Crust Base

Preheat oven to 325°F. Bake the chilled crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Craft Tangy Filling

• Egg yolks
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Key lime zest
• Key lime juice
• Heavy cream

Whisk egg yolks until pale and creamy. Gradually incorporate condensed milk, stirring until smooth. Add key lime zest and juice, mixing thoroughly. Fold in heavy cream until well combined.

Step 5: Bake Pie Filling

Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the pie for 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to firm up and develop maximum flavor.

Step 7: Finish with Whipped Cream Topping

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Key lime zest

Whip cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Sprinkle additional key lime zest on top for a bright, citrusy garnish.

Tips For A Great Nigella Key Lime Pie

• Seal Crumb Crust Tightly: Press graham cracker mixture firmly into pan edges to prevent crumbling and create a compact base.
• Choose Fresh Citrus: Use freshly squeezed key lime juice for vibrant, authentic flavor instead of bottled alternatives.
• Control Baking Temperature: Watch pie carefully during short baking time to avoid overcooking, which can cause cracking or dry texture.
• Chill Completely: Ensure pie sets fully in refrigerator for minimum 4 hours to achieve perfect creamy consistency and easy slicing.
• Garnish Strategically: Add lime zest just before serving to maintain bright color and release maximum citrus aroma.

Creative Twists On Nigella Key Lime Pie

• Gluten-Free Crust: Replace regular biscuits with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Key Lime Pie: Swap condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, use silken tofu instead of egg yolks, and coconut cream for topping.
• Tropical Coconut Variation: Add shredded coconut to the crust and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Create a nut-based crust using crushed almonds or pecans, and use a sugar-free sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content.

Best Pairings With Nigella Key Lime Pie

• Pair Zesty Tropical Cocktail: Craft a refreshing mojito using fresh lime juice, rum, mint leaves, and a splash of soda water to complement the pie's tangy profile.
• Create Crisp White Wine Match: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy notes that beautifully echoes the key lime's bright, acidic flavor and cuts through the creamy dessert.
• Serve Coconut Rum Delight: Mix a coconut-based cocktail that enhances the pie's tropical essence, providing a smooth, sweet counterpoint to the sharp lime taste.
• Boost Sparkling Citrus Spritzer: Prepare a light, effervescent non-alcoholic drink with lime, mint, and a touch of honey to balance the pie's richness and provide a palate-cleansing experience.

How To Store Nigella Key Lime Pie Correctly

• Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Keep whipped cream in a separate container and add fresh cream just before serving to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Never leave the pie out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth, especially due to the dairy and egg ingredients.

FAQs About Nigella Key Lime Pie

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more acidic than Persian limes. They have a more intense, slightly bitter flavor that gives the pie its distinctive tangy taste, originating from the Florida Keys.

• Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works well if fresh key limes are unavailable. Look for 100% key lime juice in specialty stores or online to maintain the authentic flavor of the pie.

• Why do I need to bake the crust and filling separately?

Baking the graham cracker crust helps set it and prevents sogginess. The initial bake also helps develop a richer flavor and ensures a crisp texture for the base of the pie.

Key Lime Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 45 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet, tangy key lime pie delights with creamy richness from Florida’s signature dessert. Zesty lime filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust promises a refreshing escape to tropical flavors you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 400 grams sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 150 milliliters lime juice
• Zest of 4 limes

Crust Ingredients:

• 250 grams digestive biscuits
• 100 grams unsalted butter, melted

Topping Ingredients:

• 450 milliliters (300 + 150) double cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• Lime zest, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Crush graham crackers and blend thoroughly with melted butter until cohesive, then firmly compact mixture into pie dish, creating an even layer across bottom and sides.
2. Refrigerate crust for 20 minutes to stabilize its structure, ensuring a crisp foundation.
3. Preheat oven to 150°C and bake crust for 10 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden, slightly hardened texture.
4. Remove crust and let cool completely at room temperature.
5. Separate egg yolks and combine with sweetened condensed milk, incorporating fresh key lime zest and juice.
6. Gently fold whipping cream into mixture, creating a smooth, velvety filling with vibrant citrus notes.
7. Pour filling into cooled crust, spreading evenly to prevent air pockets.
8. Bake at 150°C for 15 minutes, watching for slight setting and minimal movement when gently shaken.
9. Transfer pie to refrigerator and chill for 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing filling to set completely.
10. Before serving, whip fresh cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
11. Carefully spread whipped cream across pie’s surface, creating elegant swirls.
12. Garnish with delicate key lime zest sprinkled on top for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Ensure biscuits are finely crushed for a smooth, compact base that holds together perfectly.
• Use room temperature ingredients to create a silky, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
• Grate lime zest carefully to avoid bitter white pith, which can make the pie taste harsh.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional biscuits with almond or coconut flour-based alternatives.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 491
• Sugar: 41g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 170mg