About this recipe

A classic, creamy Key lime pie with a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy-sweet filling made from real Key lime juice. This beloved Southern dessert is surprisingly simple to pull together and delivers a bright, citrusy punch that's perfectly balanced by a pillowy whipped cream topping. Ideal for warm-weather gatherings or any time you want a refreshing, crowd-pleasing finish to a meal.

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to ![350°F]. In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and key lime zest together with a hand mixer on ^[medium-high speed] for about 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat for another 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to ^[low] and slowly pour in the key lime juice, mixing just until fully combined — the filling will thicken slightly as the acid reacts with the sweetened condensed milk.

3. 3

   Pour the filling into the warm (not hot) graham cracker crumbs crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake at ![350°F] for 15–17 minutes, until the filling is just set at the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Do not overbake. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight) until fully chilled and firm.

4. 4

   Just before serving, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on ^[medium-high speed] until soft-to-medium peaks form, about 2–3 minutes. Do not overwhip.

5. 5

   Spread or pipe the whipped heavy whipping cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with thin key lime slices if desired. Slice with a sharp knife (wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices) and serve immediately.