Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a classic dessert that is both creamy and tart, making it the perfect treat for summer. With its Biscoff cookie crust, this pie comes together quickly and requires just a few ingredients. It’s a crowd favorite that balances the perfect amount of sweetness and zesty flavor.
This pie is also incredibly easy to make! Whether you choose a pre-made graham cracker pie crust or make your own, the process remains simple. Every bite of this family favorite dessert is rich, smooth, and bursting with citrus goodness. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing, this is the one to try!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crowd Favorite – Whether for family gatherings or summer parties, this key lime pie is always a hit!
Tart & Sweet – The fresh key limes bring a tart citrus flavor, while the cookie crust balances it with the perfect amount of sweetness.
Easy to Make – This recipe requires only a few ingredients and simple steps, making it a hassle-free dessert.
Biscoff Cookie Crust – Unlike the traditional graham cracker crust, the Biscoff cookie crust adds a delicious flavor with a hint of caramel.
Perfect Balance – The contrast between tart and sweet creates an irresistible taste in every bite.
What Makes This the Best Key Lime Pie?
Sweet, Salty, Citrus-y, Buttery, Creamy, and Tangy .The ideal balance of flavors creates an irresistible dessert that satisfies every craving.
Extra Thick, Nutty Crust – A rich, buttery base made with finely crushed cookies or graham crackers adds the perfect crunch. The added nuttiness enhances the depth of flavor.
3-Ingredient Filling – A simple combination of key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks creates a creamy, tangy, and luscious filling.
Easy to Make – With just a few steps, this pie comes together effortlessly. No complicated techniques just mix, pour, and bake.
Totally Refreshing – The citrusy brightness of key limes balances the sweetness, making every bite crisp and refreshing.
Major Key Lime Flavor – Authentic key lime juice brings a bold, slightly tart taste that defines this classic dessert.
Topped with Homemade Whipped Cream – A cloud of freshly whipped cream adds the perfect contrast to the tangy filling, making each bite smooth and indulgent.
Ingredient
Key Limes provide a distinct tartness. Fresh ones are best, but regular limes or bottled key lime juice will also work as substitutes.
Biscoff Cookies add a unique caramelized flavor. They are available at most local grocery stores, and Trader Joe’s offers a similar speculoos cookie. If unavailable, you can sub them with graham crackers.
Egg Yolks are essential for the pie’s creamy texture. Only the yolks are used in this recipe to create a rich filling.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1:
Start by crushing Biscoff cookie crumbs using a food processor or by hand with a rolling pin or rubber mallet. Add melted butter, sugar, and salt, then blend until combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
Step 2:
Press the blended crust into a 9-inch tart pan, pie plate, or 9-inch square baking dish. Use a measuring cup to compact the crust along the bottom and sides. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until the base darkens. If it puffs up, gently press down with the measuring cup. Allow to cool before adding the filling
Step 3:
Start by whisking together the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. Continue whisking for about one minute until they come together smoothly. Add the key lime juice and zest and mix everything again until the mixture is well-combined.
Step 4:
Next, pour the mixture into your already baked crust. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. The outside should be completely set, while the middle will slightly wiggle when gently moved. Once done, let it cool for about an hour before placing it in the fridge. Chill for at least 3 hours to allow it to firm up completely before serving.
Tips for the Best Key Lime Pie
- Use Fresh Key Limes When Possible – Fresh key lime juice gives the pie its signature tangy flavor. If unavailable, bottled key lime juice works as a great substitute.
- Chill Before Serving – Let the pie chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours to set properly and enhance the flavors. A well-chilled pie slices cleanly and tastes even better.
- Compact the Crust Well – Press the crust firmly into the pan using a measuring cup to ensure a solid base that won’t crumble when slicing.
- Top with Fresh Whipped Cream & Zest – Garnish with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for extra flavor and a pop of color.
Expert Baking Tips
To elevate your pie’s presentation, zest a lime over the top of your whipped cream before serving. It not only adds an extra burst of flavor but also provides a stunning pop of color that makes the dessert even more inviting.
Key limes are ideal for making a key lime pie, but if you can’t find them, regular limes will work just as well. Another great option is using Nellie’s key lime juice from the bottle, which saves time and effort without sacrificing flavor.
If you can’t locate Biscoff cookies, simply substitute them with graham cracker crumbs—about 8 oz should do the trick. Keep the rest of the crust ingredients the same for that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Storing & Freezing
To store your key lime pie, place it in an airtight container or cover it with saran wrap and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored this way. However, freezing is not recommended for this pie, as it may affect the texture and flavor. Keeping it in the fridge will help maintain its creamy consistency and zesty flavor for a few days.
FAQs
What’s the best crust for Key Lime Pie?
A Biscoff cookie crust or graham cracker pie crust works best.
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly less tart and aromatic.
Do I need to use key limes?
Key limes give the best flavor, but Persian limes work in a pinch.
How do I prevent my pie from cracking?
Don’t overbake! It should still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven.
How long does Key Lime Pie last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
Crust:
- 8 oz Biscoff cookies or graham crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
Filling:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice or bottled key lime juice
- Zest from 1 lime optional
Topping
- 1 cup Whipped cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp Vanila
Instructions
For the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325 F for an even bake.
- Blend biscoff cookie crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a food processor for a fine texture.
- If mixing by hand, crush the cookies using a rubber mallet or rolling pin.
- Pour the mixture into a 9-inch tart pan, pie plate, or 9″ square baking dish.
- Use a measuring cup to compact the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides.
- Bake for 10 minutes until the crust appears darkened.
- If the crust puffs up, gently apply pressure with a measuring cup to push down.
- Allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
For the Filling:
- Whisk egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk together for one minute until combined.
- Add key lime juice and zest, then mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into the baked crust.
- Bake for 20 minutes, ensuring the outside is set while the middle slightly wiggles.
- Let the pie cool for an hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving.
For the Whipped Cream:
- Whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie before serving for a smooth and airy finish.
