Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream

Ready for a Slice of Heaven?

Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, zesty slice of Key Lime Pie, its luscious filling balanced perfectly against a crispy graham cracker crust. It’s like a refreshing vacation on a plate! This Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust is a treat you’ll crave time and again. It’s quick to make, and you’ll only need one pan. Who wouldn’t love that?

Why Make This Recipe?

Why would you want to whip up this creamy delight? Here are a few good reasons:

• Easy Clean-Up: You make it all in one pan! Less mess, more pie.
• Cost-Effective: This dessert won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s seriously delightful!
• Family Favorite: Kids adore it, and adults can’t resist seconds. Who wants to pass that up?

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 12 sheets graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces each)
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (cold)
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar (sifted)

Directions:

Time to make that pie!

1. Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the graham crackers until fine, then mix with the melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a pie pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden. Let cool.

2. Key Lime Pie Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, sour cream, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Pour this mixture onto your cooled crust.

3. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

4. Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Top your chilled pie with the whipped cream just before serving.

How to Make Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream (Overview)

Making this pie is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. First, create that crust with crushed graham crackers and melted butter. It’s all about that crunchy texture!
2. Whip together your filling using those key lime flavors; you’ll feel like a pro chef mixing it all up.
3. Bake it, chill it, and then serve it with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the whipped cream—it’s like the cherry on top, in a way!

How to Serve Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream

Slice into this stunning dessert and watch the vibrant green filling peek out against the golden crust. Pair it with fresh berries for a pop of color or lime wedges for that added touch of zest! Trust me, the aroma of fresh citrus mixed with sweet cream is simply irresistible. And don’t forget—your guests will definitely want a second slice! 🍰

How to Store Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream

If you somehow have leftovers (good luck with that!), store them in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just cover it with plastic wrap. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and top it with freshly whipped cream again!

Tips to Make Classic Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Whipped Cream

• Use Fresh Juice: For that vibrant lime flavor, fresh key lime juice makes all the difference.
• Chill, Chill, Chill: Don’t skip refrigerating it! The chill intensifies those flavors and firms up the pie.
• Graham Crackers Finesse: Crushing your graham crackers into a fine texture helps achieve that perfect crust.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a twist!

• Coconut Cream: Swap the sour cream for coconut cream for a tropical twist.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a coconut-based version and use aquafaba for the whipped topping.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! Just remember that regular limes are a bit more tart, but they’ll still taste amazing.

2. How long does the pie take to set?
You’ll want to let it chill for at least three hours before serving, so it firms up nicely.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This pie is perfect for make-ahead. Prepare it the day before your gathering for perfectly set goodness!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Classic Key Lime Pie

A creamy and zesty dessert with a crispy graham cracker crust, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust Ingredients

• 12 sheets graham crackers Crushed finely
• 6 tablespoons salted butter Melted

Filling Ingredients

• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces each
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup key lime juice Freshly squeezed or bottled
• 1 teaspoon lime zest From 1 lime

Topping Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream Cold
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar Sifted

Method

 

Preparation of Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Crush the graham crackers until fine, then mix with the melted butter.
3. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a pie pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes until golden. Let cool.

Preparation of Key Lime Pie Filling

1. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, sour cream, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth.
2. Pour this mixture onto your cooled crust.

Baking and Chilling

1. Bake for 15 minutes.
2. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Whipped Cream Preparation

1. In a separate bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
2. Top your chilled pie with the whipped cream just before serving.

Notes

For a charming presentation, pair with fresh berries or lime wedges. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.