The tangy aroma of a freshly baked Key Lime Pie wafts through the air, teasing your senses with its zesty promise. Picture this: a creamy, vibrant filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, each bite bursting with sunshine and sweetness that dances on your palate. This Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that transports you to sandy beaches and summer picnics.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe
- How to Make Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What makes the Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe special?
- How can I make the crust for the Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe?
- Can I use regular limes instead of key limes in the recipe?
- How do I store leftover Prize Winning Key Lime Pie?
- Conclusion for Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every time I whip up this delightful pie, I’m reminded of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the scent of citrus. My Aunt Myrtle always brought her famous Key Lime Pie, and let me tell you, it was the highlight of every celebration! Whether it’s a birthday party or a lazy Sunday afternoon, this pie never fails to bring joy and satisfaction. Trust me; your taste buds are in for an unforgettable treat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This key lime pie is incredibly easy to prepare, making you look like a kitchen superstar with minimal effort.
- The flavor profile is a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- Its beautiful presentation adds a touch of elegance to any occasion without requiring fancy techniques.
- Plus, this versatile recipe can easily be adapted for different tastes or dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crust: A pre-made crust saves time, but you can also crush graham crackers mixed with melted butter for a homemade version.
- Key Limes: Fresh key limes provide the best flavor; however, regular limes work too if key limes aren’t available.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy ingredient adds sweetness and richness to the filling—don’t skip it!
- Egg Yolks: About three yolks create the perfect velvety texture for the filling.
- Agar-Agar Powder: A plant-based gelling agent that helps set the filling without using animal gelatin.
- Whipped Topping: Use non-dairy whipped topping for an airy finish; it adds a light contrast to the rich filling.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re making your own crust, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter until moistened. Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish and bake for about 8-10 minutes until slightly golden.
Step 2: Juice Those Limes
While your crust cools, grab those key limes and juice them! You’ll need about half a cup of juice. A citrus juicer makes this process easier—trust me; your arms will thank you later!
Step 3: Mix Your Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, agar-agar powder, and lime juice until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and well combined—like your favorite smoothie!
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Pour the filling into your cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center—this is key!
Step 5: Chill Out
After baking, let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight. Chilling allows those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully—patience is essential here!
Step 6: Serve With Flair
Once chilled, top with whipped topping before serving. Slice into wedges and garnish with lime slices or zest if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy each bite as if you’re lounging on a sunny beach.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with some extra lime zest for the perfect finishing touch.
You Must Know
- This zesty key lime pie offers the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser at every gathering.
- Its vibrant color and refreshing flavor will brighten any dessert table, making it ideal for parties or a cozy family dinner.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, blend your graham cracker crumbs with melted butter for the crust. Bake it for about 10 minutes, then prepare the filling while the crust cools.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the traditional graham cracker crust for a nut-based alternative if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also experiment with adding a hint of coconut or vanilla extract to the filling for extra depth.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover key lime pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day! No reheating is necessary; just serve it chilled for that refreshing zing.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter flavor that shines through in every bite.
- Remember to let your pie cool completely before chilling.
- Finally, avoid over-mixing the filling to keep it light and fluffy.
Sometimes I whip this up for family gatherings, and I can still hear my cousin’s exaggerated gasp when she took her first bite—she swore she was transported to a beach in Florida!
FAQs:
What makes the Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe special?
The Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Using fresh key lime juice enhances the flavor, while the creamy filling created with sweetened condensed milk provides a rich texture. The crust, made from crushed graham crackers, adds a delightful crunch. This combination creates a dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying, making it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.
How can I make the crust for the Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe?
To create the crust for this delicious pie, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a bit of sugar. Press this mixture firmly into a pie dish to form an even layer. Bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until it is lightly golden. Allow it to cool before adding your key lime filling. This crust elevates your overall dessert experience.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular limes for key limes in this recipe. However, keep in mind that key limes have a distinct tartness and aroma that regular limes may not replicate fully. If you use regular limes, consider adjusting the sugar to achieve your desired level of sweetness. The flavor will still be enjoyable, but using key limes offers authenticity to your Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe.
How do I store leftover Prize Winning Key Lime Pie?
To store leftover Prize Winning Key Lime Pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped securely in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, defrost in the refrigerator overnight for best results without compromising flavor or texture.
Conclusion for Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe
This Prize Winning Key Lime Pie Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that will impress anyone who tries it. Fresh key lime juice gives it an authentic tart taste balanced by the creamy filling and crunchy graham cracker crust. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can create an unforgettable dessert at home. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening, this pie is sure to be a hit!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Prize Winning Key Lime Pie
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Prize Winning Key Lime Pie. Featuring a luscious filling made from fresh key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk, all nestled within a buttery graham cracker crust, this pie is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Each slice transports you to sun-soaked beaches, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Easy to make and visually stunning, it’s sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (about 6–8 key limes)
- 14 oz (1 can) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp agar-agar powder
- 1 cup whipped topping (non-dairy optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If making a homemade crust, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press into a pie dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden.
- Juice the key limes to yield about half a cup of juice.
- In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, agar-agar powder, and lime juice until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15-20 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow pie to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least four hours or overnight.
- Top with whipped topping before serving and garnish with lime slices or zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
