Creamy Key Lime Custard Pie
This Creamy Key Lime Custard Pie is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, hailing from the sun-soaked shores of Key West, FL. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh key limes and enriched with a luscious custard filling, this pie is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Its buttery graham cracker crust provides the ideal contrast to the creamy filling, making it a popular choice for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Whether served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering, this pie is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more, ensuring that I make it at least 4-6 times a year for memorable celebrations!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Crushed into fine crumbs)
Sugar
1/3 cup (Granulated)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Butter
1/3 cup (Melted)
Egg yolks
4 (Separated from whites)
Egg whites
2 (Separated from yolks)
Sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce) can (No preparation needed)
Key lime juice
1/3-1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed, not reconstituted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
To prepare the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
3
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove it and allow it to cool completely.
5
For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are pale and thick.
6
Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat until blended and smooth.
7
Slowly incorporate the key lime juice, a little at a time, ensuring it's well mixed. Beat until light and creamy.
8
In a separate bowl, wash and dry the beaters before whisking the egg whites until stiff glossy peaks form.
9
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the lime and yolk mixture, taking care to maintain a light texture.
10
Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top if necessary.
11
Bake the assembled pie for 20 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
12
Remove from the oven, allow it to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
13
Serve chilled, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Key Lime Custard Pie?
It is a delightful twist on the classic Key West dessert featuring fresh key limes and a luscious custard filling.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe hails from the sun-soaked shores of Key West, Florida.
What makes this pie texture unique?
The texture is achieved by folding stiffly whisked egg whites into a mixture of egg yolks, condensed milk, and lime juice.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust requires graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter.
How do I prepare the pie crust?
Combine crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon, stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, and press into a 9-inch pie pan.
How long should the crust bake?
The crust should be baked in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Does the crust need to cool before adding filling?
Yes, the baked crust must be allowed to cool completely before the filling is added.
How many egg yolks are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 4 egg yolks, which should be beaten until pale and thick.
How many egg whites are needed?
Two egg whites are used and must be whisked until they form stiff glossy peaks.
What kind of lime juice is recommended?
Freshly squeezed key lime juice is recommended rather than the reconstituted variety.
How much key lime juice is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 to 1/2 cup of key lime juice.
What size can of sweetened condensed milk is needed?
A standard 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk is used.
How should the lime juice be added to the mixture?
It should be incorporated slowly, a little at a time, while beating until the mixture is light and creamy.
Why is it important to wash the beaters before whisking egg whites?
Beaters must be clean and dry to ensure the egg whites properly form stiff peaks without being hindered by fats from the yolks.
What is the proper way to add egg whites to the lime mixture?
You must gently fold the whipped egg whites in to maintain the filling's light texture.
How long does the assembled pie bake?
The pie bakes for 20 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
How long should the pie be refrigerated before serving?
The pie should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
How should the Creamy Key Lime Custard Pie be served?
It should be served chilled, ideally topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Is cinnamon included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is included in the graham cracker crust mixture.
What size pie pan is needed for this recipe?
A 9-inch pie pan is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Is this pie suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is a popular choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other special occasions.
How many times a year is this pie recommended?
The creator suggests making it 4-6 times a year for memorable celebrations.
What is the flavor profile of the pie?
It offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet with a buttery crust.
What is the first step in making the filling?
The first step is beating the egg yolks until they are pale and thick.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The filling will be set and will appear slightly puffed.
Can I use granulated sugar in the crust?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of granulated sugar for the crust.
What is the preparation for the graham cracker crumbs?
They should be crushed into fine crumbs before being measured as 1 1/2 cups.
Can the pie be served at room temperature?
No, the recipe specifies it should be chilled before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What provides the sweetness in the filling?
The sweetness in the filling primarily comes from the 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.