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This authentic Key Lime Pie recipe comes straight from Savannah, Georgia. It is smooth and creamy with the perfect blend of tart and sweet.
The Best Key Lime Recipe from Savannah
This Key Lime Pie is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced between tart and sweet. I stumbled upon this Key Lime Pie Recipe in a small downtown shop when I was visiting Savannah, Georgia with my friend, Amie. Savannah has got to be one of the most beautiful and charming cities ever. We had so much fun touring the historic city squares, walking along the river, and eating delicious Southern food.
I made this pie for my family when I got home and we can’t get enough of it. It is the best key lime pie recipe! At family birthday parties, key lime pies are often requested over birthday cakes. Thanks to my trip to the Savannah, we now have another favorite family recipe!
Ingredients for Key Lime Pie
Graham Cracker Crust
- Graham crackers (crushed): For that classic, slightly sweet crust.
- Butter (melted): Holds the graham cracker crumbs together.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
Key Lime Pie Filling
- Egg yolks: Creates a smooth, silky texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and richness.
- Key limes: Fresh is best, but bottled juice (like Nellie and Joe’s Key Lime Juice) works great.
- Key lime zest: Enhances the tart, citrus flavor.
Optional Whipped Topping
- Fresh whipped cream, canned whipped topping, or meringue.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine crust ingredients and press them evenly into a pie plate. Use a measuring cup to press the crumbs down firmly. Bake at 375 for 5 minutes and cool.
- Zest and juice key limes: Zest key limes to get 2 teaspoons, the juice key limes to fill a ½ cup measuring cup. If you can’t get a full ½ cup, use Key West Lime Juice to fill the remaining ½ cup.
- Prepare pie filling: Whisk or blend egg yolks until they are thick and turn a light yellow color. Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk into the yolks while continuing to mix. Gradually add the key lime juice and zest until blended.
- Bake: Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust pie shell. Bake for 15 minutes, then cool to room temperature and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Key Lime Pie
- Use Fresh Key Limes: Use fresh key limes whenever possible for the most authentic and vibrant flavor. They have a distinct tartness that sets Key Lime Pie apart from regular lime pie.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: This prevents a soggy crust and ensures a sturdy base.
- Don’t Overbake: The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
- Serve Chilled: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before refrigerating, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving. This allows flavors to meld for the perfect taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key limes are smaller, more tart, and more fragrant than regular limes. If you can’t find fresh key limes, use Nellie and Joe’s Key Lime Juice or regular limes as a substitute.
Authentic Key Lime Pie is a pale yellow-green. Skip the green food coloring unless you want a brighter green for an occasion like St. Patrick’s Day.
Yes! A pre-made graham cracker crust saves some time and makes this recipe even easier.
What Our Readers Are Saying
We’ve had over 100 reviews from people who love this recipe as much as we do. Here are just a few:
“I’ve made this multiple times and it is always a hit! Everyone who tries it wants the recipe. I use lime juice only because I can’t get key limes where I live (Newfoundland, Canada) and it’s still wonderful!” – Keri
“Absolutely perfect. I have tried many that did not set up or were too sweet. This is as good as the restaurant with the best key lime pie where I live. Thanks for sharing.” – Lorelei
“I have made this super easy key lime pie recipe so many times for friends and family. I always get rave reviews from everyone. Thank you so much for posting this recipe because I am a VIP when I make this for a party. I love all your recipes:).” – Sandra
How to Make Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie
Video
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1/3 cup butter melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
For the filling:
- 4 egg yolks
- 6 key limes for zesting and juicing
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- Nellie & Joe's Famous Key West Lime Juice (if needed)
- whipped topping to garnish (optional)
Instructions
For the crust:
- Combine melted butter and sugar in a medium bowl. Stir in crushed graham crackers.
- Spread evenly into 9-inch pie plate and press onto bottom and sides to form an even crust. The bottom of a measuring cup works great for pressing the crumbs firmly into the pie plate.Chill for an hour until firm OR bake at 375-degrees for 5 min and allow to cool before filling.
For the filling:
- Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Zest key limes until there are 2 teaspoons of zest, then juice them. Pour the fresh key lime juice into a ½ cup measuring cup.If the ½ cup isn't filled, add bottled key lime juice to fill it completely.
- Whisk the egg yolks until they are thick and turn to a light yellow. Use a stand mixer or an electric mixer. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk while mixing on a low speed.
- Gradually add the key lime juice and zest and continue to mix on a low speed just until blended.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell and bake 15 minutes.
- Remove and let it cool to room temperate then store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve with a garnish of whipped topping lime slices and little lime zest, if desired.
Notes
Substitutions
If key limes and/or key lime juice are not available, you can still make this pie!- Use Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime juice in place of fresh key limes.
- Substitute the juice of 1 lime in place of the 6 key limes. Make sure you have ½ cup of juice.
Nutrition Information
More Delicious Pie Recipes
If you love tangy citrus-infused desserts like this one, be sure to try our Homemade Lemon Meringue Pie, Cream Cheese Lemon Bars, Coconut Lime Cheesecake Bars, or our super easy Orange Pineapple Cake! Here are some more of our favorites:
I’ll give it 4 stars. I actually haven’t made it yet. I was wondering why use egg yolks? N not sour cream? I have never tried making it without the sour cream. So I was thinking about stepping out of my element this Easter. Lol. Just wondering. Well we’ll see how it turns out if I decide to. Sounds delicious and simple enough. Thank You. Happy 🐰 Easter
The high fat content in egg yolks give the pie a rich flavor and firm texture. This is why egg yolks are used to make custard and other rich desserts. If you decide to try it, let us know how you like it. Thank you!
I’ve been making this recipe for years and I’ve had people who hate key lime pie so they loveeee this one. Will always use this recipe.
It is the best key lime pie! I’m so glad it was a success for you!
This recipe rocks! Limes are my favorite citrus fruit. I love this recipe because I’m able to cheat if I’m in a hurry and need to use a premade gram cracker crust. I had to use the bottled juice but it was still amazing. So simple to make and it will impress guests!
I have a Key lime tree in the backyard. Finding recipes is fun, but finding a recipe that is delicious and easy is the best. Taking this winner to Easter dinner!
Much easier to make than it looks. The taste is like a bite of sunshine on a crisp Spring morning. So Amazing. Best I’ve ever eaten.
This is my husbands favorite pie. I made this and he loved it.
Loved the pie I would normally buy from a well known pie place but since I made my own I have been back.
My favorite pie is Keylime Pie. It seems to be an easy recipe. I am going to make it for Easter,
I’m not.
A huge keyline pie fan, but all who had encouraged me to try. Very please!
Made the key lime pie it was a winner so many compliments also very easy to make.
I love Key Lime Pie, and your recipe is the most authentic recipe that I have ever read! I used to make key lime pie, when my husband and I lived in Miami. Key limes are a little easier to find down there. We had moved to Georgia, went to Florida to visit family, and found that Key Lime juice in one of the places we had stopped at, and bought a bottle, but I never got to make the pie, since my husband passed away before I could. I am living back in Florida now, will definitely use your recipe to make one for my kids and grands! Thank you for this recipe!
This looks amazing
This is a delightful reminder of my visit to Key West. It was a hit for my family and better than the one we sampled there!
I got to get a lesson how to make one at a specialty shop while down in Key West! This recipe is just as good! Looking at the pictures and my mouth is watering………
What a fun vacation experience making key lime pie in Key West. I would love to do that! Thanks for the kind compliment 🙂
Always look into desert recipes which are easy to make and taste delicious. This is the best for a Easter family gathering.
Love Key Lime Pie!!!!
This flavor was my moms all time favorite, is why I printed it and made it in honor of her,
so delicious, thank you.
Love this recipe. Very refreshing for anytime of the year.
THIS IS A REFRESHING PIE FOR THE WARMER MONTHS
I have yet to make this one but looking at the video/pictorial instructions and comments from others, i will make this as i love sour, puckery dessert. I hope to find that Meyer Lemon Juice suggested or else order on Amazon (?).
This sounds delicious & easy to prepare! Thanks for sharing
My go to pie for Easter, but I make it all year round. Everyone raves about how great it tastes. Easy to prepare I make multiple ones because they go back for seconds and thirds.
This key lime pie is so refreshing. The next best thing to being in the Florida Keys!
I made this pie last year for my Easter dessert. It was a hit and everyone loved it. I don’t save it for just Easter anymore. It is delicious any time of the year!
Easy and so tasty perfect ending
This pie is my favorite
Awesome!!!
OMG! I actually found this recipe right on time my finance had been begging me to make a key lime pie! This is better than any store bought pie! your going to LOVE it
I can’t wait to try this Key Lime Pie recipe! It looks simpler and quicker than many recipes I’ve seen. Thank you!
This recipe is just so delicious. Everyone always loves it. Make it for all the holidays
Very easy and tasty 😊
Absolutely delicious, my hubby loves this key lime pie recipe!
Oooh it’s so GOOD 😁
YUMMIEST
You know how after a big family meal where everyone has brought “their dish” and they all say, “I can’t eat another bite.” Well, until someone mentions dessert. This light and refreshing recipe is just what you need to serve!
Everyone loves this easy dessert. It is a nice light dessert after a meal. Thanks
Easy SMOOTH, tastes like Key Largo nights outside with great music.
Neighbors also loved it !!
My family.loves it!
LOVE using fresh lime juice and adding Nellie and Joe’s if needed. Makes HUGE difference in tartness and depth of flavor.
I’ve always just used Nellie and Joe’s. This makes a significant enhancement to the flavor.
My husband loves key lime pie, this is simple an delicious,
The bestest recipe for my favorite dessert!
Love Key Lime Pie! ❤️❤️❤️
If I could I would give this a hundred stars. Looks delicious. I can’t wait to try it
This is a very wonderful key lime pie experience! I used Nellie and Joe key lime and a store bought graham cracker crust. This made it so easy to enjoy this Key Lime pie.
Tasty great images help make this delicious desert
Just th right amount of tart and sweet. Amazing pie.
Best Key Lime pie I have evry made better then what you get in Florida everyone loved it had to make another so I could get some!
This is the first time I have ever made or had a key lime pie and it is just so flavourful and fresh
Key Lime Pie is a favorite of mine if made with the right ingredients….this recipe crosses off all the best ingredients.
Has anyone used the whites for meringue on top?
I haven’t tried that but you definitely could! It would be like a key lime meringue pie.
Best dessert.
LOVE KEY LIME PIE, THIS ONE WAS GOOD. I ADDED LIME ZEST TO MY CRUST.
I love key lime pie. It reminds me of the summer breeze and sitting under the trees at our farm. I have been to restaurants in Savanah but it doesn’t compare to this tangy, smooth, summery pie from favfamily recipes.com.
Mouth watering YUM! So easy with minimal ingredients. This comes together quickly and a family favorite..thank you.
Five stars for this recipe all the way around! From the limited number of ingredients needed, to its pleasantly rich but not overwhelming flavor, to the ease of the “start to finish” process, I’ve made this recipe several times now; and it has been consistent each time. My mother (who’s palette is ridiculously limited by choice and will not even try anything new if it is not the exact brand, etc that she prefers) discovered Key Lime Pie in a restaurant several years ago while visiting my brother on the east coast – she couldn’t find ANYTHING on the entire menu that was to her liking and finally settled on a piece of Key Lime Pie (because no chocolate items were listed on the dessert menu). She ended up loving it so much that she ordered a 2nd piece. Since then, I have bought several Key Lime Pies (and even other key lime flavored dessert products), but none of them came close to passing her liking and were just “not the same”. I gave up until this Key Lime Pie recipe showed up in my inbox one day; and I decided on one more attempt to bring Key Lime Pie back into her life. Needless to say, she had devoured the whole pie within days! It truly was delicious! I did use the store bought bottled Nellie’s because key limes were not readily available where I live as well as the zest of a few regular limes and the flavor was spot on! This is definitely a recipe that I make especially during the summer for bbqs and potlucks because it’s not something that other people usually bring, it’s easy to make, the citrus-y flavor is perfect for summer time and I always bring home an empty pie pan!
Thank you so much for this kind review!
I love Key Lime pie!! Will make my homemade Gluten Free graham crackers in the next few days so I can make this. Even looking at the picture, my mouth is watering!
I love this recipe! My family really enjoys citrusy desserts and this is most definitely their favorite!
I really like this recipe because it is not complicated, and it seems really easy to make.
Love key lime
I love this recipe. It is tart and refreshing – a great dessert and snack. I rate it a no-brainer. I give it a ⭐️.
Key Lime Pie is one of my favorites. When I live in Florida Key Limes were easy to find when I lived in Florida. Now I live in the North East and use Nellie’s Key Lime juice, the flavor is the same and Key Lime Pie is my go to when I have company.
I love this recipe.
Key lime pie is one of my favorites because it is so easy to make and tastes so good. It is a light dessert and the perfect end to a meal.
This key lime pie is the best ever! Using fresh limes and real whipping cream is “KEY”!
One of my favorite desserts, with its rich , creamy filling and the tartness from the Limes you can’t go wrong with this dessert. So easy to make too.
Easy to make and so delicious.
Great recipe. We really enjoyed it!
Loved this.It was so easy to make. I took it into work and it was eaten before lunch even started. Several people wanted the recipe.
This recipe is delicious – finding a good key lime pie recipe is not easy, and this one has done it! Your step by step outline and options for substitutions make it easy to prepare a dessert that is a family favourite! Thank you!
Thanks so much! I am glad you found a keeper with our recipe 😀
Delicious! A special favorite. Love the recipe and easy step-by-step instructions.
This is a great key lime pie recipe. With a pre-made crust, it is so simple.
I have to admit I have never made a key lime pie and this recipe looks delicious. I might make one this year as it is one of my favorites.
One of the best tasting pies!! My husband absolutely loves it! And so do I! Thank you so very much for sharing all these delicious recipes!
This recipe is a winner! I lived in Florida for many years and this comes very close to the Key West key lime pies! The recipe is easy to follow, it is not too tart and not too sweet, creamy perfection. My absolute favorite, make it if you love key lime pie, you won’t be disappointed!
I had never made a key lime pie, so I was a little afraid I would do something wrong it wouldn’t turn out right. But I followed the easy-to-understand directions step by step and it turned out perfect! Such a great lime flavor that wasn’t overpowering. I will be making this again! Thank you for making all your recipes so easy to follow and understand. The pics are great too!
I am so happy to hear this was a hit for you! I am do glad that it was easy to make and came out a success!
THIS KEY LIME PIE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITS. IT REMINDS ME OF WHEN MY FATHER USE TO TAKE THE FAMILY TO FLORIDA BY CAR FROM BROOKLYN NY TO MIAMI. WHAT AN EXCITING ADVENTURE. WE WOULD ALWAYS STOP AT ONE OF MY FATHERS FAVORITE
PLACES TO HAVE A PIECE OF KEY LIME PIE
So happy to hear this recipe brings back wonderful memories for you! This is exactly why we do what we do 🙂 Thanks for the nice comment!
Key Lime is one of my all time favorites. I plan to make this recipe on Easter. my family will love this.
We love this key lime pie. It is easy to make and has great flavor. The eggs give it the stability to hold together. So tasty!
Can’t wait to try this recipe. I love key-lime pie. Will try this REAL soon.J@
This will be an exciting addition to my “Springtime” luncheon.
A favorite of mine! I love the balance of the sweet and the tart lime!! A delicious Spring and Easter dessert!
Lisa
What’s not to love about a dessert that’s great tasting and eas y as pie to make
This pie is delicious year round! Its so delicious and it reminds me of a beautiful Spring Sunday after church with family and friends!
A good Easter dessert!
There is nothing quite like a great Key Lime Pie and they should never be green! Also great with a meringue on top!
So refreshing, haven’t been able to find the juice but when the grocery store gets key limes in this is a family favorite.
Easy and so yummy 😋
Key Lime Pie just means Spring to me! 🍋🟩🥧🌿
Family loves this one ♥️♥️
I love key lime pie and this recipe will have you drooling for one more piece and one more bite, ok maybe just another piece of key lime pie!!!
A very good and refreshing dessert. My favorite flavor!!!
One of my family’s favorite desserts. This pie is so delightful and bright, it’s a breath of fresh air,
Love love love this key lime pi, my taste bud exploded@first bite.
good stuff!!!!!
Love key lime pie and this recipe makes a great pie!
I love the simplicity of this recipe- no big list of ingredients. Plan to make one this weekend!
Thanks for this-
This has got to be the best key lime pie I have ever made. The recipe was so easy to make. My husband requests this pie at least once a month. It has become our all time favorite.
Recipe was simple and ways to follow, and the results were absolutely delicious!!
So glad you liked it! Thanks Erin!
I’m getting ready to make, company coming tomorrow. Have you made these in large size muffin tin before? Thx
I haven’t but they would work great that way.
Great and easy recipe! I put a little twist on the crust and used cinnamon graham crackers that a friend of mine did once and it was awesome!! Both crusts are great!
So glad you like it!
Made this came out great and so easy to make love good tasting easy recipes ☺️
Thanks, this pie is one of my favorites!
I’m making this for a birthday party and need it to feed fifteen to twenty people. Can I do this in a nine by eleven pan?
We have never done this in a 9×11 baking pan before but I don’t see why not! The only thing I would keep an eye on it your baking times. Just make sure that the filling is set all the way through after baking. I would check it after 10 minutes and then every 5 minutes after that to make sure it is set. Hope this helps!
I have made this recipe twice. Delicious!!! I uses the Nellie’s Key Lime juice also and the Keebler’s Graham ready crust. It’s a very simple recipe, easy to make, no fuss!
Thank you so much! So glad you liked it!
This recipe is so easy to make and delicious. I use the Nellie’s Key Lime juice. The homemade crust is a no brainer to make & it tastes so good. It typically only takes one sleeve of graham crackers. I’ve made it twice in the last month because it’s just that easy & good.
I’m so happy you love this recipe as much as we do! We were visiting family over the holidays and they served a bakery purchased key lime pie. It was delicious, but I think this recipe is every bit as good – and costs a fraction of the price to make at home.
Made this for Christmas and it was delicious. I will definitely be making this again soon.
This pie uses more limes than I am used to. But, WOW!! It tastes Great!!!
I’m so glad you liked it! Thank you for the star rating!
I made this for thanksgiving last year and again this year. It is sooooo delicious and I do not really like pumpkin so this is good.
Thank you, Scarlett! I’m so happy you like it!
I’ve made this many times and it’s great. Of course my brain is mush before Thanksgiving and I put the whole 4 eggs in instead of just the yolks. How bad is this going to turn out?😭
I’m not sure, I haven’t ever had that happen. Wishing you luck!
So good and easy.
Are the nutrition facts per serving or the whole pie?
The nutrition facts are for 1 slice of pie, if you cut the pie in 8 equal slices.
This recipe is amazing! It does have just the right amount of sweetness and tartness. So delicious! Our guest raved about it. I made the graham cracker crust and it tasted so much better to me then pre-bought. I did not. The recommended Keylime juice for the half cup, I highly recommend this recipe!
Absolutely delicious! Got raves from everyone! Very easy to make-I used key limes and added bottled key lime juice. The homemade crust makes a big difference, so take the time to do it!
Hi! I want to make this ahead of time to take on vacation. Can I freeze it ahead of time? How would suggest making in advance. Thanks!
I haven’t tried freezing key lime pie before. However, if I was going to try it, I would bake it in a foil dish instead of a glass dish. I would wrap the baked pie in a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of tin foil. Let us know how it goes if you try it!
Can I just use the juice instead of the limes?
You can but the lime flavor won’t be as bright without the zest from the limes. I haven’t tried it without the lime zest so I can’t promise you it will turn out as good. Hope this helps!
I always put parchment paper down in my pie plate first (ball it up first it tends to stay put better) then put the crust in and follow all the other instructions. That way once the pie is cooked and set you can pick the pie up right out of the plate and wrap it in foil and then plastic it freezes beautifully!
Love the pie
Is there any way to adapt this recipe to make smaller pies? I want to try making ‘mini-pies’ in a muffin tin where each one would be 3-1/2 inches in diameter and a little more than 2-inch in height.
I’m just worried that when it’s that small, the filling will overcook. Any tips or suggestions?
I would definitely lower the temperature and check them every few minutes for doneness. That sounds yummy!
Good recipe followed it all the way but the 9” pie pan was way too big. The filling only went 1/2 way. I had to quickly make another batch to fill it up. I cooked it then for 28 minutes it’s cooling now so hopefully it cooked all the way through.
Made this pie for Memorial Day 2024 and it was lovely!!!!! Wasn’t the same classic white color as the picture cuz I think my yolks were super yellow but this pie was every thing I was hoping for!
How deep is your baking dish?
It is about 1 1/2 inches deep.
This is the best tasting Key Lime Pie recipe that I’ve ever had. It was extremely easy to make and much loved by my family. No leftovers. Must bake 2 pies next time. ❤️
Hi there! I’m planning on making this pie this weekend but want to top it with your meringue recipe! Would you suggest baking the key lime pie first and then baking the meringue after or can I put the meringue on right away and just do the 15 minutes?
I would bake the key lime pie first and then add the meringue and bake again! Let us know how it turns out!
I had key lime pie, in New Orleans several years ago. Loved it. Going to make it this weekend. Thanks
Would I adjust baking time if I’m making it in mini tart pans about 3 inch diameter?
Yes it will be a shorter bake time. Keep a close eye on them!
This is now my go-to dessert when I get asked to bring a dessert! Always take home an empty pie pan😀
How mamany eggs?
4 egg yolks!
Question — I’m about to try making this pie for my husband who LOVES key lime pie. If I can’t find key limes — would you suggest I try the juice or extra limes? He prefers very tart! Thank you … Yum!
I would use the juice for maximum tartness!
Can I semi double the filling part of the recipe?
That should be okay! We haven’t tried that, but I think it would work.
Our favorite Key Lime Pie recipe!
This was the first time that I’ve made this and it was loved so much that I’ve been asked to make it again and again
Very easy and great taste!Will make again.
Excellent results! First time I’ve ever made a Key Lime pie – no need to look up other recipes now!
Thanks!
A quick and easy pie
The family loves it
So simple to make. I had to use just a little of the key lime juice. Zested and juiced the key limes.
A great pie to make when you don’t have a ton of time, it’s easy to put together.
Thank you so much for this recipe! It tasted so good! The citrus was not overwhelming 🥰 and everyone at church loved it haha! Thank you again!☺️
Here is some good news for you by the way!
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV
“and brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
Acts 16:30-31 KJV❤️❤️
The pie has a wonderful flavor, but why does the filling barley go up to half of the crust?
I used a foil 9 inch pie pan.
Oh that is odd! How deep was the crust?
Most easy and very tasty pie
Normal pie plate.
Made key lime pie for the first time using this recipe and it is a success. The recipe is simple, but the flavor of the pie is so good. I used fresh juice and didn’t use premade juice – maybe that also makes a difference. This recipe is a keeper!
I man going to make this recipe however I don’t know how much juice is if I’m using the key lime juice in the bottle, not actual limes. Can you give a measurement if ounces?
You get about 2 tablespoons of juice from each key lime, so you’ll need about 12 tablespoons or 6 ounces. Hope this helps!
Newbie question: I’m assuming it’s 14oz volume as opposed to weight of condensed milk? They come in 14oz (net weight) cans so I think I didn’t catch that and therefor didn’t use enough, my novice mistake! Such is life with the Imperial System.. lol Thanks!
Our recipe uses 1 14oz can of sweetened condensed milk. Hope that helps! Sorry for the confusion.
I am having the same problem the batteries done. I put it into the pie shell. There is definitely not enough batter to fill the shell. It only comes like maybe halfway up and I know this doesn’t rise so I’m very disappointing cause I’m gonna feel stupid bringing this to a barbecue tomorrow. When looks like it’s half made other people must have this problem. Yes, I used a 9 inch pie plate and crust.
Some pie plates are deeper than others – we have been making this recipe for years in a 9 inch pie dish and it always fills the whole dish.
This is my first time making key lime pie. It most definitely won’t be my last. Of course like any good cook I had nibbles. My grandson say’s it’s one of his favorites. He juiced the limes and zested them for me. Will be making a fresh pot of coffee to serve with it tonight. So good
Delicious! Can I substitute the Graham cracker crust with a Nilla wafer crust or r maybe combine the 2? Wanted to try a different spin and I am craving Nilla wafers.
Sure!
5 stars because it’s key lime.
My question is I’d like to juice 9 key limes instead of 6.(for that extra kick).
What do I need to change the recipe to keep the filling thick?
Thanks in advance,. Frostproof,FL.
The whipped egg yolks are what gives the pie structure, so I would start there!
Hey thanks for the fast reply.
Since I plan on 50% more juice, I’ll go with 50% more yolks.
We’ll start there. Gonna do one today.
I’ll be sure to let you know how it turns out.
Step one is a little unclear. You zest the limes and juice them- but the next step says to cut the zested limes in half and juice them. Is that an accidental repeat?
Oh, yes the juicing is mentioned twice. Thanks for catching that! I will change it!
Salted butter or Unsalted butter? I searched the comments and could not find this question.
Thank you.
Either one works great.
In the oven now but it doesn’t look like it made enough to fill the pie crust. Is it going to rise?
It doesn’t rise very much. What size pie crust did you use?
I used a 9inch, and there is extra room, for the whipped cream!
Hi! I want to try Key Lime Pie!
But if i get the Lime jus in a bottle will it be the same taste?
Or shoudl i get Bottle of Key lime jus on Anazone? And also amouch key lime jus do we need to use 1/4 cup?
Thxs:)
If you can’t find key limes or key lime juice, you can substitute common limes. You can swap out 6 fresh key limes for 1 large regular lime. As far as the juice goes, you can swap it out at a 1:1 ratio (¼ cup key lime juice for ¼ cup regular lime juice).
Really good recipe! I enjoyed making the Key Lime pie.
Can you just use the key lime juice and no limes and will it still taste good?
Does this freeze well?
Yes! It freezes great!
So easy to make. Directions are clear and simple to read. A real down home and delicious pie.
Easy and delicious!
This was the 1st key lime pie I ever made and will definitely make this recipe again. Thank you!
Simple to make and very tasty
Ultimately the best key lime pie there ever was. It reminds me of my dear sweet mama’s key lime pie. My God bless you, and thank you.
Have to try this key lime pie. Looks yummy!!!
Mine didn’t set. We ate it with a spoon!
You have to beat the egg yolks for about 5 minutes on high speed. If you didn’t do that it could be why it didn’t set up. I just made it and I looked up how long to beat the egg yolks for them to thicken and turn light yellow. My pie came out fine.
Hi there! Can you clarify – *If key limes are not available, you can still make this pie! Substitute 1 lime in place of the 6 key limes.* Does this mean if you are using a regular lime, we only use one for the entire recipe? Thanks!
Yes that is correct. One regular sized lime replaces 6 key limes.
Key limes are not available locally. But I buy Nellie and Joe’s bottled key lime juice and this pie tastes fabulous. If you cannot find it it’s available at Amazon and Walmart.
How much total juice did you use?
This really is so simple to make and so, so good! Perfect amount of lime. So creamy too!
Tart & tangy is the best combination! Key lime flavor reminds me of spring & I’m so excited it’s here! We will be making this asap!!
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
I noticed the ingredient list says ¼ Cup Lime Juice and the directions say ½ Cup lime juice. Which is it? I think that will make a difference…..
Sorry its a little confusing, but you juice the key limes into a 1/2 cup. If they fill up the cup, great! If they don’t then fill the rest up with the key lime juice. Hope this helps!
I love this key lime pie! The perfect tart and tangy and sweet mix that is perfectly balanced. So delicious!
Very good recipe.. Made it today.
I’ve made this multiple times and it is always a hit! Everyone who tries it wants the recipe. I use lime juice only because I can’t get key limes where I live (Newfoundland, Canada) and it’s still wonderful!
Hello,
I’ve tried this twice already. My mixture liquefies when i add the lime juice. I add it slowly while mixing in on low speed just as you described it. Any idea what could be the problem?
Oh shoot! I haven’t had that happen before. It could be that your eggs aren’t whipped enough before adding the next ingredients.
Awesome Recipe..
https://www.kashishfood.co.nz
I have made this super easy key lime pie recipe so many times for friends and family. I always get rave reviews from everyone. Thank you so much for posting this recipe because I am a VIP when I make this for a party. I love all your recipes:)
Hi. If I am using mini graham cracker pie shells (purchased from grocery store) how long should I bake them?
The mini ones? I’m not sure we have never used those ones before. I would say start at 10 minutes and check it every few minutes until the center isn’t jiggly anymore. Hope this helps!
I make a key lime pie that tastes fabulous, but it always falls apart! This pie looks great – before I make it, does it keep a firm consistency so that it does not fall apart?
The consistency is perfect, I’ve never had an issue with it falling apart. I think you will love this one!
My son-in-law is lactose intolerant but loves my pies so I substituted vegan butter for regular butter in the crust and condensed coconut milk in the filling. It turned out great although it did have a very faint coconut flavor which I thought made it even tastier!
Thanks for letting us know how you made this lactose free! I am sure there are many of our readers who will find that extremely helpful. I’m not lactose intolerant and that sounds SO good with the coconut milk. YUM!
Dam good pie cheese family all good here
Can I use just the strict just the Nellie and Joe’s key lime juice and no limes??
That should work!
As a variant, you can whip the whites from the eggs until stiff peaks form and fold them into the milk, yolk and juice mixture. Fill the crust and bake as directed in the recipe. Makes for a lighter textured pie and cuts a bit of the sweetness. Plus it uses up those pesky extra whites.
FWIW – I have made variations of this pie using real key limes, bottled key lime juice, RealLime lime juice and fresh juice from standard limes. They ALL work and they all make delicious pies. The fresh lime juice just makes an EXTRA delicious pie…
Great ideas, thank you for suggestions and also for sharing your information about the lime juices. Super helpful!
I made this last night. I found it to be way too sweet. Next time I will use a cup and a half of lime juice and five egg yolks.
Love this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
How do you add the meringue topping? Do you bake the key lime first then reduce the temp and add the top and then bake the extra 10 minutes or add the topping before baking the key lime?
Hey Gemma- Usually we don’t go meringue topping on the Key Lime pie but if you would like to, you can use these instructions from our lemon meringue pie: https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/moms-lemon-meringue-pie/ Hope this helps!
Absolutely perfect. I have tried many that did not set up or were too sweet. This is as good as the restaurant with the best key lime pie where I live. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the compliment! I love this recipe. It turns out perfect every time. I’m also a fan of the tartness of the pie. I’m so glad you like it!
Excelent recipe !!! It was a hit !! Will make again !!!
Can this pie be frozen? How long will it keep frozen?
We haven’t tried freezing it before but it I’m sure it is possible. I wouldn’t keep it frozen than more than a couple weeks, if it were me. I don’t like the freezer flavor so the less time in the freezer (at least for me) the better!
Love this recipe, I use 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed key lime right from my tree! Perfect pie everytime!
Love that you have a lime tree. Now I want one! 😀
Sounds very delicious, as I live in Brazil, can you tell
me what the crackers are and what can I use as a substitute.?
We have wonderful limes here in Bahia , can I use all this juice etc.
Thank you so much.
Hugo Skucek
Hi Hugo– Graham crackers might be tricky to find in Brazil. If you can’t find them, you can use Nilla Wafers, ginger snaps, or any kind of plain vanilla cookie. Even animal crackers. Hope this helps!
How far in advance can you make this? This looks like a good recipe and I can’t wait to try it.
You can make this probably 2 days in advance … I wouldn’t do much longer than that. Hope this helps!
I can’t find key limes in my local store, can I use regular lime juice?
Yes you can, they just won’t have that key lime tangy-ness. Hope this helps!
I am not huge fan of Key Lime pie but husband loves it. I made this recipe a couple of weeks ago and he said it was the best ever. I tried it and I really liked it. I am making it again today. Thank you.
So glad you and your husband liked it! This is our favorite recipe for Key Lime Pie hands-down (and we are big fans too)!
Do you have to refrigerate the pie to firm it.I put it in the oven at 350 degrees and it rose up some but still had a lot liquid.so I put it in refrigerator.
That should be totally fine. If it was still liquid-y I would but it in the refrigerator to firm. Hope this helps!
This may be a silly question but would it be okay to just use a 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice?
Yes, you can definitely do that. The key lime juice has a slightly different flavor, but either will taste great!
Can we use lemon instead?
Yes, it will absolutely work with lemon. We also have these lemon pie recipes you can try:
https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/creamy-lemon-pie/
https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/sour-cream-lemon-pie/
https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/moms-lemon-meringue-pie/
Can we use lemon instead??
Yes, it will absolutely work with lemon. We also have these lemon pie recipes you can try:
https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/creamy-lemon-pie/
https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/sour-cream-lemon-pie/
https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/moms-lemon-meringue-pie/
This was delicious, and so easy. Thank you for helping me find my go to key lime pie recipe!
Thank you for taking the time to comment! Glad you liked it 🙂
all one has to do is remember the color of the inside of the lime….it is never bright green. Take it from there.
I’m so excited to make this! This may sound like a dumb question, but in your ingredients you say you need 1/4 cup lime juice but in the method it says you put half a cup in. Is this on the basis that you’d be getting 1/4 cup from the actual lime but then you must add another 1/4 cup of lime juice? Sorry, it’s probably a silly question but I don’t want to accidentally make the most sour pie in the world haha. Thanks x
That is right, you use 1/4 c. fresh and 1/4 c. of the key lime– making 1/2 c total
In this particular recipe for the key lime pie….notice the canned milk used, it is very sweet, and believe me condensed milk takes
it to another level of sweetness. So go ahead and use what the recipe indicates. No fear!
There are many recipes out there for this pie, and i have tried them all……
I had the same question!
you use 1/4 c. fresh and 1/4 c. of the key lime– making 1/2 c total. Hope this helps!
What if I live in Missouri & it’s January & I can’t use Key limes?!
hmm… if you are in desperate need of key limes you could probably find a place that will ship them to you!
If you live in St.Louis Dierbergs market carries key limes. But it is not necessary..I use the liquid from Nellies & Joes and it tastes fine. I have made at least 5 of these pies this month. It has been so cold and this just screams…warmth and sand and sun!!!
Couldn’t agree more!
that is easy….ever heard of Roses lime? Used
in making margaritas…..it works in a pinch…
And it is tasty.
Sel, with all due respect, as the owner/operator of a chain of nightclubs, we use Rose’s in mixed drinks, but my opinion is that it has a twinge of bitterness after taste to it, which might not translate well into this recipe. Same as grocery store bottled lime juice (ReaLime brand), which is not nearly as clean and bright in flavor as real squeezed limes. Although, its companion brand “ReaLemon” is totally satisfactory to use in place of real squeezed lemons, and does not have that “off” after taste that Rose’s and ReaLime has. Note, that I have not tried your suggestion in this recipe so I could stand corrected. Just a cautionary.
You can make this with regular limes. Key limes are preferred, but if you can’t get them, just use regular limes. Also, most markets sell key lime juice. That is another great option. But don’t sweat this – it will still taste great either way. 🙂
I have made this pie on 3 different occasions and it has been a crowd pleaser. As others have noted, this is a very easy recipe to follow to achieve a well balance of flavor and creamy textured pie.
I made this key lime pie for Sunday dinner and my family said it was the best key lime pie ever. I loved that it was so easy to make.
I love, love, love Key Lime Pie!!!www.lifeofamodernhousewife.com
Easy and delicious
I've been looking for a good Key Lime Pie recipe…think I just found it! Thanks!
I have never had success with my key lime getting firm With any recipe