Key Lime Pie
Updated February 23, 2016 
The classic Key lime pie always strikes me as a modern sort of confection, but it is a genuine old-timer, a pie that South Florida’s people were devouring with glee back in the 1890s. Key limes are walnut-sized citrus fruits with an uneven yellow-green rind and a cool, pale green inner pulp. Though they thrive in the necklace of islands that make up the Florida Keys, Key limes are not from there. Most likely, they blew in long ago on trading ships, by way of South Asian ports of call. The traditional Key lime pie is simple, elemental, and delicious. Sweetened condensed milk has been in the American pantry since the 1860s, and without pastureland nor dairy cows to provide milk, residents of the Keys took to it early on and spun it into a local specialty that the nation adores. The original Key lime pie called for a baked pastry crust, but graham cracker crusts were embraced as an early variation, and they are my favorite. Look for Key limes in small net bags in the produce section seasonally, or order Key lime juice by mail. Allow a little time for this pie. While it’s one of the simplest to put together, the filling needs three hours to chill once it’s made.
Cooking Methodbaking
CostInexpensive
Total Timehalf-day
Make Ahead RecipeYes
OccasionBuffet, Casual Dinner Party, Family Get-together
Recipe Coursedessert
Dietary Considerationhalal, kosher, peanut free, soy free, vegetarian
Moodblue, tired
Taste and Texturecreamy, rich, sharp, sweet, tangy
Type of Dishdessert, pie
Ingredients
- One 9-inch graham cracker crust (or store-bought)
- 4 egg yolks
- One 14-ounce can (1¼ cups) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice (from 10 to 15 limes), bottled juice, or regular lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9-inch pie pan with the crust and then bake the crust as directed in the recipe.
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To make the filling:
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In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks and the milk. Use a whisk or fork to mix them together evenly and well. Add the lime juice and salt, and stir well until you have a smooth, thick filling.
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Spoon the filling into the graham cracker crust. Place the pie on the middle shelf of the oven, and bake for 15 minutes, until the filling is set.
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Place the pie on a cooling rack or a folded kitchen towel and let cool to room temperature. Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and as long as overnight.
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To make the topping:
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Whip the cream in a medium bowl. When it thickens and increases in volume, add the sugar and vanilla, and continue beating until the cream is billowing and thick, able to hold soft peaks beautifully and easily. Pile the whipped cream onto the pie filling. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more before serving. Serve cold.
2010 Nancie McDermott
