What's in Key Lime Pie?
Key lime pie is probably the easiest pie that you can make. With 4 simple ingredients in the filling, and an easy graham cracker crust, this pie is a crowd pleaser that couldn't be easier to make.This pie is a simple mixture of key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and egg yolks. It's perfectly tart, with just the right amount of smooth creaminess. You can use normal lime juice. But I highly suggest investing in actual KEY LIME juice, which you can find next to normal lime juice at your local grocery store. Alternatively, during key lime season, you can freshly squeeze the limes yourself.
What are Key Limes?
Key limes are tiny variant of a generic lime. The are normally one quarter to one half the size of a normal lime. The peel is much thinner than normal limes, and they have a sweeter, less tart taste. It won't be a deal breaker if you have to use normal lime juice, but key limes will elevate the flavor of your pie. I usually use this brand. It's shelf stable and widely available year round.
Why is Key Lime pie yellow not green?
While limes are green, you'll find that this pie is usually yellow in tint (unless it has been artificially colored). This key lime pie is made with egg yolks which lend to the yellow color. If truly desired, feel free to add in a couple of drops of green food coloring.
About The Ingredients.
Egg Yolks- The thickener. There with only 4 ingredients, our eggs yolks in the recipe are responsible for both thickening the key lime pie, and making it super rich and creamy.
Key Lime Juice- The flavor. The taste of our pie will primarily depend on the quality of the lime juice. This is why choosing Key lime juice vs generic is important. The acid in the juice will also balance out the sweetness that comes from the sugar in the condensed milk.
Sweetened condensed milk- The sweetener. Sweetened condensed milk is milk that has been cooked with sugar until it is sweet, creamy, and delicious. It perfectly balances out the tartness of the key lime juice.
Whipped Cream- The topping. This is optional but suggested, and traditional. It is the perfect addition to top the pie with a mellow, creamy, sweetness, that isn't overwhelming or distracting.
Graham cracker crust- The Base. You could technically use normal pie crust, but graham cracker is traditional. It is buttery, crumbly, and light. The perfect compliment to our creamy filling.
Key lime Pie
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowl
- 1 pie pan
- 1 food processor optional
Ingredients
Crust
- 350 Grams Graham Cracker
- 150 Grams Brown Sugar
- 112 Grams Salted Butter Melted
Filling
- 3 Egg Yolk
- 1 14 Ounce can condensed milk
- ½ Cup Key Lime Juice
Whipped Cream
- 1 Cup Heavy whipping cream
- ¼ Cup Sugar Granulated or powdered.
Instructions
- 1. Crush the graham crackers in a in a food proccessor. Add to a large bowl with the brown sugar and melted butter. Use your fingers to press into a 9" Pie Pan.
- Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Set aside to prepare filling.
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together the egg yolks, condensed milk, and key lime juice. Mix until fully combined. Pour into the prepared crust.
- Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Add heavy cream and sugar to a clean bowl and whip to stiff peaks. Use a piping bag or a spantual to top the pie.
- Pie MUST stay refridgerated.
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