Chilled Tropical Key Lime Dream Pie
Treat yourself to a refreshing and zesty Chilled Tropical Key Lime Dream Pie inspired by Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. This luscious dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, silky smooth key lime filling, and a cloud of sweetened whipped cream—making it the perfect centerpiece for any summer gathering or special occasion. With fresh ingredients and an inviting presentation, this pie has garnered rave reviews for its vibrant flavor and delightful texture. Chill it overnight for the best results and enjoy a slice of paradise with every bite!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups ((about 10 crackers, crushed))
Sugar
1/4 cup ((for crust))
Unsalted butter
6 tablespoons ((melted))
Extra-large egg yolks
6 ((at room temperature))
Sugar
1/4 cup ((for filling))
Sweetened condensed milk
1 (14-ounce) can
Grated lime zest
2 tablespoons
Fresh lime juice
3/4 cup ((from about 4 to 5 limes))
Heavy cream
1 cup ((cold))
Sugar
1/4 cup ((for whipped cream))
Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon
Thin lime wedge
as needed ((for garnish))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
To make the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3
Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into a 9-inch pie pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
5
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes, until thick and pale.
6
With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, and fresh lime juice. Mix until fully combined.
7
Pour the key lime filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Freeze the pie until set, preferably overnight.
8
For the whipped cream topping, place the cold heavy cream in a clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on high speed until soft peaks form.
9
Add the 1/4 cup sugar and the vanilla extract to the whipped cream, then continue to beat until firm peaks form.
10
Once the pie is fully frozen, top with the sweetened whipped cream decoratively. Garnish with thin lime wedges.
11
Return the pie to the freezer and allow it to chill for a few more hours before serving. Enjoy your Tropical Key Lime Dream Pie!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chilled Tropical Key Lime Dream Pie?
It is a refreshing and zesty dessert inspired by Ina Garten, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, silky smooth key lime filling, and a cloud of sweetened whipped cream.
Who inspired this Key Lime Dream Pie recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What are the ingredients for the graham cracker crust?
The crust requires 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
At what temperature should the oven be set to bake the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long does the crust need to bake?
The crust should be baked in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
What type of egg yolks should I use for the filling?
You should use 6 extra-large egg yolks at room temperature.
How do I make the key lime filling thick and pale?
Beat the egg yolks and 1/4 cup sugar on high speed in an electric mixer for about 5 minutes until they reach that consistency.
What size pie pan is used for this recipe?
A 9-inch pie pan is recommended for this recipe.
How much lime juice is required for the filling?
You will need 3/4 cup of fresh lime juice, which typically comes from 4 to 5 limes.
Should the lime juice be fresh or bottled?
The recipe specifies fresh lime juice to achieve the best vibrant flavor.
How much lime zest is added to the mixture?
The filling requires 2 tablespoons of grated lime zest.
Does the pie contain sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, it uses one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
How long should the pie freeze before adding the whipped cream?
The pie should be frozen until set, preferably overnight, before adding the topping.
What ingredients are in the whipped cream topping?
The topping is made from 1 cup of cold heavy cream, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How do I prepare the whipped cream topping?
Beat the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add sugar and vanilla and continue beating until firm peaks form.
How is the finished pie garnished?
The pie is garnished decoratively with the whipped cream and thin lime wedges.
Is the crust baked or no-bake?
The graham cracker crust is baked for 10 minutes to set before adding the filling.
Can I serve the pie immediately after adding the whipped cream?
It is recommended to return the pie to the freezer for a few more hours after topping it with cream before serving.
What is the texture of the key lime filling?
The filling is described as silky smooth and luscious.
What does the crust mixture look like before baking?
When combined, the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter should resemble wet sand.
Should the heavy cream be cold or room temperature?
The heavy cream should be cold to whip properly.
What attachment should I use to whip the heavy cream?
A whisk attachment on an electric mixer is best for whipping the cream.
How many graham crackers do I need for the crumbs?
You will need about 10 crackers to make 1 1/2 cups of crushed crumbs.
Why is it recommended to chill the pie overnight?
Chilling it overnight ensures the filling is fully set and results in the best flavor and texture.
What type of butter is best for the crust?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
Is there vanilla in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used in the whipped cream topping.
Is this a good dessert for summer?
Yes, its tropical flavors and chilled temperature make it a perfect centerpiece for summer gatherings.
What speed should I use to mix the condensed milk and lime juice?
The mixer should be on medium speed when adding the condensed milk, lime zest, and lime juice.
How do I ensure the crust is even?
Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of the pie pan using your hands or a flat tool.