Green Key Lime Pie (Printable Version)
Tangy lime filling with creamy texture and crisp graham crust, naturally green and visually striking.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Filling
04 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
05 - 4 large egg yolks
06 - 1/2 cup key lime juice
07 - 2 tsp key lime zest
08 - 1/4 tsp salt
09 - Green food coloring (optional)
→ Topping
10 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
11 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
12 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
13 - Extra lime zest or thin lime slices for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
03 - Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
04 - Bake crust for 8 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, lime zest, salt, and a few drops of green food coloring until smooth and evenly colored.
06 - Pour filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
07 - Bake for 7 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
08 - Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
09 - Before serving, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to soft peaks.
10 - Spread or pipe whipped cream over the pie, then garnish with lime zest or slices.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- The sweet tangy filling balances perfectly with buttery graham cracker crust
- It comes together in under 30 minutes of active work
- The vibrant green color makes it a showstopper at any gathering
02 -
- Overbaking causes the filling to crack and become grainy so watch closely
- The pie continues setting as it cools so removing it while slightly jiggly is perfect
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly preventing lumpy filling
03 -
- Zest your limes before juicing them much easier to handle whole fruit
- A microplane creates the finest zest that incorporates seamlessly into the filling