Decadent Two-Layer Key Lime Cream Pie
This luscious Two-Layer Key Lime Cream Pie combines the bright, tangy flavors of fresh lime juice with rich cream cheese and a crunchy, granola-infused crust. Inspired by a beloved classic, this recipe elevates the traditional Key Lime Pie by adding a creamy cheesecake layer on top of the zesty lime filling. Perfectly balanced and incredibly refreshing, it's the ideal dessert for warm weather gatherings or a delightful treat after dinner. Your guests will be raving about it, just like my good friend who claims this was one of the best desserts she’s ever tasted.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
granola cereal
3/4 cup (without raisins or other dried fruit)
graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup (crushed from 6 whole graham crackers)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (melted)
sugar
3 tablespoons
sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce) can
fresh lime juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
large egg yolks
3
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened to room temperature)
sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup
fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
sugar
2 tablespoons
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
sweetened whipped cream or Cool Whip
to garnish
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a food processor, pulse the granola using on/off turns until it's coarsely ground. Transfer it to a mixing bowl.
3
Add the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar to the bowl with the granola. Mix until well combined.
4
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch deep dish glass pie plate to form the crust.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
6
Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
7
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth and thoroughly blended.
8
Pour the lime mixture into the cooled pie crust and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Allow to cool to room temperature.
9
While the lime layer cools, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
10
Add the additional sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until the mixture is light and creamy.
11
Once the lime layer is cool, gently pour the cream cheese mixture over it, spreading evenly with a butter knife to create a smooth top.
12
Cover the pie and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours (overnight if possible for best results).
13
Before serving, top with sweetened whipped cream or Cool Whip for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Two-Layer Key Lime Cream Pie?
It is a refreshing dessert that features a zesty lime layer topped with a creamy cheesecake-style layer, all held together by a unique granola-graham cracker crust.
What makes the crust of this pie unique?
The crust is unique because it combines traditional graham cracker crumbs with coarsely ground granola cereal for added texture.
Can I use granola with raisins for the crust?
The recipe recommends using granola without raisins or other dried fruit to maintain the desired texture.
How many graham crackers are needed for the crumbs?
You will need approximately 6 whole graham crackers to produce the required 3/4 cup of crumbs.
What size pie plate is required?
A 9-inch deep dish glass pie plate is recommended to accommodate the two layers.
What temperature should the oven be for the crust?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the initial baking of the crust.
How long does the crust bake?
The crust should bake for about 8 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
What is the baking temperature for the lime layer?
After the crust is done, the oven temperature should be lowered to 300°F (150°C) for the lime filling.
What ingredients are in the first lime layer?
The first layer consists of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice, and 3 large egg yolks.
How long does the lime filling take to bake?
The lime layer takes about 25 minutes to bake, or until the filling is set.
Do I need to cool the lime layer before adding the cream cheese?
Yes, the lime layer must cool to room temperature before you spread the cream cheese mixture over it.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese layer?
The top layer includes softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup of lime juice, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to room temperature so it can be beaten until smooth and creamy.
How do I ensure a smooth top on the pie?
You can use a butter knife to spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the lime layer.
How long does the pie need to be refrigerated?
The pie should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for the firmest results.
What is the best way to garnish this pie?
It is best garnished with sweetened whipped cream or Cool Whip before serving.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While bottled can work, freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the most vibrant and tangy flavor.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
No, this recipe requires baking for both the crust and the lime filling layer.
How much total lime juice is needed?
You will need a total of 3/4 cup of fresh lime juice (1/2 cup for the first layer and 1/4 cup for the second).
How many eggs are used?
The recipe uses 3 large egg yolks specifically for the lime filling layer.
Is there vanilla in this pie?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is included in the cream cheese layer for added depth of flavor.
What kind of butter should I use for the crust?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter.
Can I use regular condensed milk?
The recipe specifically requires sweetened condensed milk to provide the necessary sweetness and texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
While not explicitly stated, a standard 9-inch deep dish pie typically serves 8 to 10 people.
Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead is recommended as it allows the layers to set perfectly in the refrigerator.
How do I grind the granola?
Use a food processor and pulse with on/off turns until the granola reaches a coarse ground consistency.
What is the purpose of the egg yolks?
The egg yolks help to thicken and set the lime filling during the baking process.
Is the crust sweet?
Yes, the crust contains 3 tablespoons of sugar in addition to the naturally sweet graham crackers and granola.
How much cream cheese is in the recipe?
One 8-ounce package of cream cheese is used to create the decadent top layer.
Why is it called a 'Two-Layer' pie?
It is called two-layer because it features a baked lime custard base and a separate cream cheese-based topping.