Take your taste buds on vacation with our homemade key lime pie – it’s like a beach getaway in every bite!
Key lime pie is a dessert that is typically made with a graham cracker crust, a filling of key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, and topped with whipped cream. The pie is named after the small key limes that are commonly grown in the Florida Keys, where the dessert is believed to have originated.
To make a key lime pie, the crust is typically made by mixing together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then pressing the mixture into a pie dish and baking it until lightly browned. The filling is made by whisking together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks, then pouring the mixture into the cooled crust and baking until set.
Once the pie has cooled to room temperature, it is typically chilled in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours or overnight before being served. Before serving, whipped cream can be added to the top of the pie for added flavor and decoration.
Key lime pie is a popular dessert in the United States, particularly in the southern states and coastal regions. It is often served during the summer months or for special occasions such as holidays or parties. The sweet and tangy flavor of the key lime filling, combined with the buttery crust and creamy whipped cream, makes it a delicious and refreshing dessert that is loved by many.
The Best Bake Key Lime Pie
Equipment
- Pie dish or pan: A standard 9-inch pie dish or pan is the best size for making key lime pie.
- Mixing bowls: You will need at least two mixing bowls – one for mixing the pie crust ingredients and another for mixing the filling.
- Whisk or electric mixer: You will need a whisk or an electric mixer to mix the filling ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for making a delicious key lime pie, so you will need measuring cups and spoons for both wet and dry ingredients.
- Juicer: You will need a juicer or a citrus reamer to extract the juice from the key limes. (If using fresh)
- Zester: A zester or microplane is useful for grating the zest from the key limes, which adds extra flavor to the filling.
- Spatula: A rubber or silicone spatula is helpful for scraping the sides of the mixing bowl and ensuring all ingredients are incorporated into the filling.
- Oven: You will need an oven to bake the pie crust and the finished pie.
- Aluminum foil: Foil can be used to cover the pie crust edges during baking to prevent them from over-browning.
- Cooling rack: A cooling rack allows the pie to cool evenly and prevents the crust from becoming soggy on the bottom.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Key Lime Pie Filling
- 4 large egg yolks
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 2 teaspoons grated lime zest
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Graham Cracker Crust
- Prepare the ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling.
Key Lime Pie Filling
- Prepare the ingredients.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until pale and frothy. Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest, and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still jiggles slightly in the center.
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice: For the best flavor, it’s important to use fresh key lime juice rather than bottled juice. Squeeze the limes just before you begin making the pie for the freshest flavor.
- Don’t overbake the pie: Key lime pie should be baked just until it is set, but still jiggles slightly in the center. Overbaking can cause the pie to become dry and tough.
- Chill the pie before serving: Key lime pie tastes best when it has been chilled in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a firmer texture.
- Use a high-quality graham cracker crust: The crust is an important part of key lime pie, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality graham cracker crust or making your own from scratch.
- Don’t overmix the filling: When mixing the filling ingredients together, be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the pie to become dense and heavy.
- Add a little zest: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some key lime zest to the filling or using it as a garnish on top of the whipped cream.
- Use a water bath: To help prevent the pie from cracking on top, consider using a water bath when baking. This involves placing the pie dish inside a larger pan filled with water to create a gentle, even heat.
- Experiment with toppings: While whipped cream is a classic topping for key lime pie, you can also try topping it with meringue, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for added texture and flavor. Storing: To store key lime pie, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and refrigerated. It is important to keep the pie chilled to prevent it from spoiling or developing a strange texture. Key lime pie will typically last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, though the exact shelf life will depend on factors such as the freshness of the ingredients and how well the pie was wrapped and stored. If you want to store the pie for longer than a few days, you can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the pie, it’s best to remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will help to bring out the flavors and ensure that the texture is not too firm or icy.
History:
The history of key lime pie is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is generally believed to have originated in the Florida Keys in the late 1800s. The dessert is named after the small, tart key limes that are native to the region.
According to one popular legend, key lime pie was invented by local sponge fishermen who would spend long periods of time at sea without access to fresh ingredients. They supposedly created the pie using ingredients that could be easily stored on board their ships, including canned condensed milk, eggs, and key lime juice. The mixture was then poured into a graham cracker crust and baked until set.
Another theory is that key lime pie was created by cooks in the early 20th century who worked for wealthy families in the Florida Keys. They supposedly used key limes, which were abundant in the region, to make a tart and refreshing dessert that was a hit with their employers.
Regardless of its origins, key lime pie has become an iconic dessert in the United States and beyond, and is now enjoyed by people all over the world. Today, there are many variations on the classic recipe, including versions that use whipped cream, meringue, or chocolate as a topping, as well as recipes that incorporate other ingredients such as coconut or ginger.
The classic bread recipe using the given ingredients has several nutritional benefits, including:
- Good source of carbohydrates: Bread is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body.
- Source of protein: The bread recipe contains eggs, which are a good source of protein.
- Source of fiber: The recipe contains all-purpose flour, which has some fiber content, and adding whole wheat flour would increase the fiber content.
- Source of vitamins and minerals: The bread recipe contains milk, which is a good source of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals.
- Low in fat: The recipe contains only a small amount of fat from the butter, making it a low-fat option for those watching their fat intake.
Overall, this classic bread recipe can be part of a healthy and balanced diet when consumed in moderation and in combination with other nutrient-dense foods.
Nutritional Breakout:
Here is the approximate nutritional breakdown of one serving of the key lime pie recipe provided, assuming the pie is cut into 8 equal slices and whipped cream is not added:
- Calories: 426
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 47g
- Protein: 8g
Please note that these are approximate values and may vary based on the specific ingredients used and the method of preparation. Additionally, the addition of whipped cream or other toppings will increase the calorie and fat content of the pie.
Superfood Qualities:
While key lime pie is a delicious dessert, it is not generally considered a superfood as it does not contain many of the nutritional properties that are commonly associated with superfoods.
Key lime juice does contain some beneficial nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which may help boost the immune system and protect against oxidative damage in the body. However, the amount of key lime juice used in a typical key lime pie recipe is relatively small, and the other ingredients, such as sweetened condensed milk and butter, do not offer significant nutritional benefits.
It is worth noting that the graham cracker crust used in key lime pie is typically made with refined flour and added sugar, which can contribute to inflammation and other negative health effects if consumed in excess. Therefore, while key lime pie can be enjoyed as a tasty treat in moderation, it should not be relied upon as a significant source of nutrients or health benefits.
Top Pairings:
Key lime pie is a delicious dessert that can be paired with a variety of different beverages and accompaniments to enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some ideas for what to pair with key lime pie:
- Coffee: A cup of coffee, particularly a strong and flavorful brew such as espresso or dark roast, can complement the sweet and tangy flavor of key lime pie.
- Milk: A glass of milk can help balance out the acidity of the key lime juice and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
- Tea: A cup of tea, particularly a black tea with a bold flavor profile such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling, can pair well with key lime pie and help to bring out its citrusy notes.
- Whipped cream: As a classic topping for key lime pie, whipped cream can add a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness that complements the tartness of the pie filling.
- Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or other fresh fruit can be served alongside key lime pie to add a burst of flavor and texture.
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream can provide a creamy, cool contrast to the warm and tangy flavors of key lime pie, creating a delicious dessert combination.
Fun Facts:
- Key lime pie is believed to have originated in the Florida Keys in the late 1800s or early 1900s, where it was created by local cooks using the abundant key limes that grew in the region.
- Traditional key lime pie is made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, and is typically served with a graham cracker crust and whipped cream on top.
- Key limes are smaller and more acidic than the more common Persian limes, and they are also yellow when ripe rather than green.
- Key lime pie was declared the official state pie of Florida in 2006, in recognition of its cultural and historical significance to the region.
- In 2013, the Guinness World Record for the largest key lime pie ever made was set in Florida, with a pie measuring 12 feet in diameter and weighing over 1,000 pounds!
- Key lime pie has become a popular dessert all over the United States, and variations on the classic recipe can be found in many different regions and restaurants.
- Some people prefer their key lime pie with a meringue topping instead of whipped cream, while others like to add a little bit of green food coloring to give the pie a more vibrant color.
- Key lime pie has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years, including the film “The Truman Show” and the TV series “Dexter”.
Uses in Italy:
Key lime pie is not a traditional dessert in Italy, and is not commonly found in Italian cuisine or restaurants. However, with the rise of global food trends and increased interest in international cuisine, it is possible to find key lime pie served in some Italian restaurants, particularly those with a focus on American or international cuisine.
As with any food that is not native to a particular country or culture, key lime pie may be adapted or interpreted in different ways when prepared in Italy. It may also be made with slightly different ingredients or served with different accompaniments than it would be in the United States or other countries where it is more commonly consumed. Overall, while key lime pie may not be a widely recognized or traditional dessert in Italy, it is still possible to enjoy this delicious treat in certain settings.
Uses in Poland:
Key lime pie is not a traditional dessert in Poland, and is not commonly found in Polish cuisine or restaurants. However, as with other countries around the world, it is possible to find international cuisine in Poland and some restaurants may offer key lime pie on their menus.
It is worth noting that the ingredients for key lime pie may not be readily available in Poland, as key limes are not typically grown in the region. It may be necessary to substitute other types of limes or citrus fruits, which could affect the flavor and texture of the finished pie. Additionally, it may be challenging to find graham crackers, which are commonly used for the pie crust, as they are not a traditional ingredient in Polish cuisine.
Overall, while key lime pie may not be a widely recognized or traditional dessert in Poland, it is still possible to enjoy this delicious treat in certain settings, such as international restaurants or by making it at home with substitute ingredients.
Variations:
While the classic key lime pie recipe consists of a graham cracker crust, a creamy filling made with sweetened condensed milk and freshly squeezed key lime juice, and a whipped cream or meringue topping, there are several variations of this beloved dessert. Here are a few common varieties of key lime pie:
- Chocolate Key Lime Pie: This variation incorporates chocolate into the graham cracker crust or filling, giving the pie an extra rich and decadent flavor.
- Coconut Key Lime Pie: Coconut is added to the graham cracker crust or the filling, adding a tropical twist to the classic dessert.
- Frozen Key Lime Pie: In this version, the filling is made with whipped cream instead of condensed milk, and the pie is frozen instead of baked, resulting in a refreshing, ice cream-like dessert.
- Key Lime Pie Bars: This variation uses the same basic ingredients as traditional key lime pie, but is baked in a square or rectangular pan and cut into bars instead of served in a pie dish.
- Vegan Key Lime Pie: This variation uses plant-based ingredients such as coconut cream, cashews, and tofu to create a creamy, dairy-free filling that still has the tartness and tanginess of traditional key lime pie.
Humor:
What do you get when you cross a pie and a snake?
A pie-thon!
“Key lime pie, it’s the apple pie of the South, y’all.”
– Carrie Underwood
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