Add this dessert to your top 5...it's incredibly delicious and the "make-ahead" nature of the pie makes it ultra convenient. You will love it. Guaranteed :)
When I take the time to make this, I always double the recipe and make two pies. It's not a lot of extra effort preparation-wise but you end up with double the dessert. And these pies last up to 3 months in the freezer so there isn't a rush to consume...although you may have a difficult time convincing yourself of that once you taste it. I've heard it dubbed "the best key lime pie" by more than a few.
Some notes about this recipe you may want to consider:
1. You'll want to almost double the zest. It's so much better nice 'n tart.
2. Mixing the egg mixture until it's thick and creamy is essential. In the past I haven't mixed it long enough or on a high enough setting and my filling didn't turn out as well.
3. Don't be tempted to buy a ready-made crust. They are expensive and bland. The graham cracker crust takes 10 minutes to make max and isn't difficult at all. Promise. Three ingredients is all it takes folks.
4. Even if I can find the rare key lime, I typically just use regular limes for the filling. I can't imagine it being anymore delicious than it already is despite using conventional limes. I will, however, purchase a few key limes for garnish. They look adorable on top of the cream topping given how miniature they are.
5. Wrap well before placing the pies in the freezer. Consider two or three layers or plastic wrap.
6. Never make this on the day you want to consume it...it won't be set in time. I made this mistake once and the pie wasn't ready to eat despite the fact that it was in the freezer for 6-8 hours. It truly requires an "overnight stay" in your freezer.
Enjoy!
key lime is a favorite--thanks for this recipe!
ReplyDeleteI've made this for my girlfriends Baby Shower years ago! I had to let her know that it had raw egg yolks since she was preggers. I love Ina. Thanks for reminding me of this recipe.
ReplyDeleteI came across this recipe a few years ago and it IS my favorite dessert. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Even friends from Florida thought it was better than any other key lime pie they'd had. And I agree--make sure you give it a full overnight in the freezer.
ReplyDeleteWow, wow. This was wonderful! I am still thinking about that piece you gave me, mmmmm...
ReplyDeleteKey Lime Pie is my ABSOLUTE 100% favorite. Thank you thank you thank you! You are now officially my valentine (don't tell my husband).
ReplyDeleteHey Steph!
ReplyDeleteI was at the Ft. Union SuperTarget earlier this week and they had bags of fresh key limes for a great price! I was trying to decide what to use them for, but now I know... I'm definitely stopping by tomorrow to pick some up! And then I'm thinking of individual pie ramekins...
that looks amaaazing.
ReplyDeletekey lime pie is my absolute favorite dessert...ever.
ReplyDeletei will for sure try this!
Oooh! I love tart desserts and I'm all about things you can make ahead and freeze... so much less stressful that way. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhere's the actual recipe with the measurements? There's no way I could make with what you have listed. I'm not that good of a cook.
ReplyDelete