Catahoula's Creamy Key Lime Dream Pie
Indulge in the zesty bliss of Catahoula's Creamy Key Lime Dream Pie, a delightful twist on the classic dessert that is sure to win over even the most skeptical of key lime pie lovers. Inspired by the famed Catahoula's restaurant in Louisiana, this recipe features a velvety filling infused with the vibrant flavors of freshly squeezed key lime juice, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. This version is a simple yet stunning choice, eschewing the traditional meringue topping in favor of a light whipped cream that enhances the refreshing citrus profile. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, this pie can be dressed up with a garnish of fresh lime zest for a beautiful presentation. Whether enjoyed at the end of a warm summer meal or a cozy family dinner, this pie is guaranteed to be a showstopper.
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3 (tablespoons, melted)
sugar
3 (tablespoons)
graham cracker crumbs
6 (ounces (about 15 full crackers))
key lime juice
1 (cup (from 20-40 key limes, depending on size and juiciness))
sweetened condensed milk
2 (cans (14 ounces each))
egg yolks
2
large eggs
2
lime zest
2 (zest)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the graham cracker crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until well combined.
3
Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch pie tin using your fingertips to create an even layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool.
4
For the filling: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and whole eggs. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may use a bullet mixer for a quicker blend.
5
Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
6
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and firm.
7
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
8
To serve, top with freshly whipped cream piped around the edges and garnish with fresh lime zest for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
36
Carbs
4
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catahoula's Creamy Key Lime Dream Pie?
It is a velvety, zesty dessert inspired by the famous Catahoula's restaurant in Louisiana, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth key lime filling topped with whipped cream.
How many calories are in a serving of this pie?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the pie?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many key limes are needed to get one cup of juice?
Depending on their size and juiciness, you will typically need between 20 to 40 key limes.
Does this recipe include a meringue topping?
No, this version eschews traditional meringue in favor of a light whipped cream topping.
What ingredients are used to make the crust?
The crust is made from 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 6 ounces of graham cracker crumbs.
How long should the graham cracker crust be baked initially?
The crust should be baked for 8-10 minutes until it is lightly golden.
What are the components of the pie filling?
The filling consists of 1 cup of key lime juice, two 14-ounce cans of sweetened condensed milk, 2 egg yolks, and 2 large eggs.
Can I use a blender to mix the filling?
Yes, you can use a standard blender or a bullet mixer to ensure the filling is smooth and creamy.
How long does the pie need to bake once the filling is added?
The pie should bake for about 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and firm.
How long should the pie chill before it is served?
After cooling to room temperature, the pie should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours.
What size pie tin should be used for this recipe?
A 10-inch pie tin is recommended for this recipe.
How much fat is in a serving of the pie?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 36 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
The pie provides 4 grams of protein per serving.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the recommended garnish for this dessert?
The pie is best garnished with fresh lime zest and piped whipped cream around the edges.
Is the crust baked before the filling is added?
Yes, the crust is pre-baked for 8-10 minutes and allowed to cool before adding the filling.
How many cans of sweetened condensed milk are needed?
You will need two 14-ounce cans of sweetened condensed milk.
What type of citrus is the star of this dish?
Key lime juice and lime zest provide the primary citrus profile for this pie.
Does the recipe require whole eggs or just yolks?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 egg yolks and 2 whole large eggs.
What should I do if I want a quicker blend for the filling?
Using a bullet mixer can provide a quicker and very smooth blend for the filling ingredients.
Can the pie be served immediately after baking?
No, it needs to cool completely at room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator to set properly.
Is the sugar added to the filling or the crust?
Sugar is added specifically to the graham cracker crust mixture; the filling is sweetened by the condensed milk.
What texture should the filling have before baking?
The filling should be blended until it is smooth and creamy.
How should the graham cracker mixture be applied to the tin?
It should be firmly pressed into the bottom and up the sides of the tin using your fingertips to create an even layer.
What happens if the crust is overbaked?
The instructions advise keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning, as it only takes 8-10 minutes to reach a golden color.
Is this a good dessert for summer?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing citrus dessert that is a perfect summer treat.
Where did the inspiration for this pie come from?
The recipe is inspired by the famed Catahoula's restaurant located in Louisiana.
How do you know when the filling is set?
The filling is set when it appears firm after approximately 35 minutes of baking.