Are you craving a taste of sunshine? Then look no further! This Cooks Country Key Lime Pie recipe is your ticket to a vibrant, tangy, and utterly delicious dessert. Forget those overly sweet, artificial-tasting key lime pies; this homemade version is bursting with authentic key lime flavor and a creamy, dreamy texture that will leave you wanting more. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros seeking a quick and impressive dessert. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks, dinner parties, or simply a delightful end to your day. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Florida with every luscious bite.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields one 9-inch key lime pie.
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup (150ml) Key lime juice (about 6-8 limes) – Freshly squeezed is best!
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crust bakes evenly.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Add the melted butter: Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.
- Press into the pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Create an even layer for a consistent crust.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Cool completely: Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack before adding the filling. This prevents the filling from curdling.
Making the Filling:
- Whisk the ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, eggs, and lime zest until completely smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Pour into the crust: Carefully pour the key lime filling into the cooled crust.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is just set around the edges. The center may still be slightly jiggly – it will firm up as it cools.
- Cool completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to fully set.
Serving Your Delicious Key Lime Pie:
Once chilled, garnish your pie with whipped cream, a sprinkle of lime zest, or even some fresh berries. Slice and serve, and enjoy this refreshing taste of the tropics!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust: Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly.
- Add a touch of salt: A pinch of salt enhances the lime flavor.
- Make it ahead: This pie tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
- Frozen key lime juice: In a pinch, you can use frozen key lime juice, but fresh-squeezed is always superior for flavor and aroma.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 3g
This delicious Cooks Country Key Lime Pie recipe is a testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients. The vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy!