Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe

This key lime pie recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious and tart treat that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The best part? You can make it in just a few simple steps.

Using a store-bought crust and just 5 other ingredients, you have a rich and tangy filling that sets up perfectly. Top with homemade whipped cream for the perfect summertime dessert.

Want something with lemon-lime flavor instead? Check out our lemon lime bundt cake recipe. Another fast and easy choice that is light and delicious.

slice of key lime pie on white plate with sliced limes on table

Ingredients

3 egg yolks
2 teaspoons lime zest (4g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk (397g)
⅔ cup key lime juice (160ml)
1 prepared graham cracker crust

For whipped cream

1 cup whipping cream (250ml)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (30g)

glass bowl of limes next to prepared graham cracker crust

Handy Kitchen Tools

white table under key lime pie with halved limes beside pie

How to Make an Easy Key Lime Pie

Start by squeezing the limes and grating the lime zest. Set these aside with the remaining ingredients. If you are making a homemade graham cracker crust, you will need to do this now, and bake it until just set, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Now, you can preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C.

Using a mixer, combine the egg yolks and lime zest and beat on high for 5 minutes until it becomes light in color and fluffy.

whisk in glass bowl of key lime pie pudding

Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla, and continue to beat for 4-5 minutes until it thickens.

Lower the mixer speed and add the lime juice, mix until just blended.

Now, pour the mixture into the crust and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the filling is set.

Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack. You can then place it into the refrigerator until ready to serve, or at least 2 hours to chill through. If you need it cool faster, you can freeze it for 15 to 20 minutes instead.

Now, make a bit of homemade whipped cream by whipping the cream and sugar together for 6 to 8 minutes, until stiff peaks form.

Serve the pie with a bit of whipped cream on top!

Chef's Notes

If your family does not like a super tart pie, you can reduce the zest to 1 teaspoon instead of 2 tsp.
Typical limes have around 2 tablespoons of juice each. A key lime is smaller, so will require more limes to make the ⅔ cup needed. You can also use part fresh limes and part bottled juice if you prefer
Garnish with slivered almonds, maraschino cherries, or lime slices.

slice of key lime pie on white plate with fork

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Key Lime Pie Filling Made Of?

This key lime pie recipe calls for a few simple ingredients: Sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and a bit of vanilla extract. This is poured into a graham cracker crust. The sweetened condensed milk is a great thick sweetener and paired with eggs gives a thick creamy texture to the key lime filling.

What Goes on Top of Key Lime Pie?

Topping options are plentiful! You can opt for whipped cream, meringue, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. You can also get creative with your topping and add fresh fruit, nuts, or even coconut flakes for a little something extra.

Can I Make Key Lime Pie with Bottled Lime Juice?

Yes, you can use bottled lime juice for this key lime pie recipe. However, freshly squeezed lime juice will definitely give it that extra zing of flavor and aroma. You can also use regular limes as well, but again, fresh key lime juice and zest are the best way to go.

What Makes Key Lime Flavor Different?

A key lime is smaller than a typical lime. It also has a less acidic flavor and gives that perfect tartness to key lime recipes.

key lime pie with whipped cream and sliced limes on top

More Easy Pie Recipes

Are you ready to make a pie? We love this key lime pie recipe, but it's not the only one on our dessert menu. Below are a few more pie ideas that are sure to please everyone at your dinner table. Included are classics and a few hand pies that are tasty. Take a moment to bookmark your favorites, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest so they are handy next time you want to make dessert.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8