Luscious Sweet-Tart Key Lime (Printable)

Creamy sweet-tart lime filling in crisp graham cracker crust topped with smooth whipped cream.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 13–14 crackers), crushed
02 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Filling

05 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
06 - 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
07 - 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
08 - 4 large egg yolks

→ Topping

09 - 1 cup cold heavy cream
10 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - Extra lime zest or thin lime slices, for garnish

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl until the mixture is evenly moistened.
03 - Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
04 - Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly.
05 - In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, grated lime zest, and egg yolks until smooth and fully combined.
06 - Pour the filling into the warm crust and spread the surface evenly.
07 - Bake for 15 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
08 - Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours until fully chilled and set.
09 - Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until medium peaks form.
10 - Pipe or spoon the whipped cream over the chilled pie and garnish with extra lime zest or thin lime slices before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The filling comes together in literally minutes using just a whisk and one bowl
  • That magic chemistry where sweetened condensed milk transforms into something velvety and custard-like without any tricky tempering
02 -
  • The pie continues cooking as it cools, so removing it while the center still wobbles slightly prevents overbaking
  • Room temperature filling poured into a hot crust helps the two layers bond together
03 -
  • Use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to press the crust into the pan for an even layer that won't slide
  • Zest your limes before juicing them, it's much harder to zest a squeezed lime half
Go Back