Craving a perfectly sweet and tart slice of pie? This Authentic Key Lime Pie Recipe is going to give your key lime cravings a fun kick in the pants! Plus, with just 10 minutes of prep, it’s SO easy to make!
Transport yourself to the Florida Keys when you give this easy Key Lime Cake with Cake Mix a try, too!
Authentic Key Lime Pie Recipe
This authentic recipe for key lime pie is further proof that happiness is just one slice of pie away!
So go ahead… give your tastebuds some love and send them on a little tropical trip when you make the easiest Key Lime Pie Recipe!
Jenna writes: "Delicious! A little slice of Florida right at home!"
Now if you haven’t had a chance to visit the Keys for some Florida Key Lime Pie, you need to add it to your list of dream trips. Oh I promise… it’s worth it!
You see, my hubby and I shared the BEST slice of classic key lime pie surrounded by swaying palms while overlooking the pristine waters in gorgeous Islamorada.
This was our view while we indulged in our dreamy, citrusy slice of pie…
Now I can’t bring those mesmerizing views to you, but I sure CAN share this perfectly tropical, citrusy pie recipe with you!
And I want to let you in on a little secret… it’s so much easier to make at home than you probably think!
Originating in Key West, Florida… traditional Key Lime Pie has become a southern staple!
Why? Well, because it’s ridiculously delicious and SO refreshing.
Thanks to the Key West Key Lime Juice, now you can make this sweet and tangy treat all year long!
And trust me… just one bite of this creamy, citrus custard filling is all it takes to make you an INSTANT fan.
Just try it for yourself and you’ll instantly know this is a dessert you’ll want on repeat!
In fact, it’s so easy you’ll probably be tempted to create your very own key lime pie factory right in your kitchen. It’s so easy to make with just 7 ingredients.
Then you’ll just stir your ingredients, transfer them to a graham cracker pie crust, bake, chill, and ENJOY!
Talk about easy, right?
So what are you waiting for?
It’s time to make an outrageously delicious pie that will make your tastebuds squeal with delight!
Related: 21 Easy Pie Recipes (Simple Homemade Pies)
Key Lime Pie Ingredients
So what is Key Lime Pie filling made of?
Well, you’ll just need a few simple key lime pie ingredients to make your own delicious, creamy homemade pie filling!
Add the following to your next grocery list, so you’ve got all the ingredients on hand…
- Graham Cracker Pie Crust – homemade graham cracker crust can be substituted
- Key Lime Juice – now you can make this all year long!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – to sweeten up the pie filling
- Sour Cream – to thicken up the pie filling
- Grated Lime Zest – it adds such a tasty punch of flavor!
- Sea Salt – to bring out the flavors
- Whip Cream or Cool Whip – for topping
Don’t forget to have some cool whip or whip cream on hand for topping, too.
It will INSTANTLY take your pie to the next level!
Then, if you’re feeling fancy, you can even add some little slices of lime to the top center of the pie.
It adds such a pretty little pop of color!
Can I Substitute Regular Lime Juice for Key Lime in a Pie?
Wondering if you can use regular limes instead of key lime juice?
Yes, equal portions of fresh squeezed lime juice and fresh squeezed lemon juice can be substituted for the key lime juice.
Just note, the flavor of the pie will be slightly less tart and tangy than a traditional key lime pie.
So for example, in this recipe you would use…
- 6 tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 6 tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
I would still recommend using the full tablespoon of grated lime zest, though.
It adds such a delicious punch of flavor to this pie!
What Causes a Key Lime Pie to Thicken?
The secret for a perfectly thick key lime pie filling is the combination of sweetened condensed milk and sour cream.
How to Make Key Lime Pie
You’re not going to believe how EASY it is to make the Best Key Lime Pie Recipe with condensed milk and Cool Whip!
With a simple 5-ingredient pie filling, this easy homemade recipe comes together in a snap!
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Then pour into your graham cracker pie crust.
3. Bake in the oven per the instructions in the recipe card below.
4. Cool your pie on a rack.
5. Transfer your cooled pie to the refrigerator to chill.
6. Then top with whip cream or cool whip right before serving!
See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!
The hardest part is waiting a few hours for the pie to finish chilling before digging in.
I know it’s hard, but I promise it’s worth the wait!
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Key Lime Pie Garnish Ideas
Want to add a little pizazz to your pie? Here are some fun garnish ideas…
- Coconut Flakes
- Lime Slices
- Lime Zest
- Raspberry Glaze Drizzle
- Whip Cream or Cool Whip (a must!)
What To Serve With Key Lime Pie
A delicious cup of coffee or tea would be the perfect addition to your key lime pie!
Here are some tasty cold and hot options to try, depending on your mood…
- Cafe Style Cold Brew Coffee
- Coconut Crockpot Hot Chocolate
- Espresso
- Frozen Coffee Slushie
- Frozen Hot Chocolate
- Hot Cinnamon Spice Coffee
- Hot Pumpkin Spice Coffee
- Mocha Frappe
- Mocha Punch
- Stove Top Hot Chocolate
- Sweet Tea
- Sweet Tea Slushie
- Tropical Pineapple Mocktail
- White Hot Chocolate
Key Lime Pie Reviews
Here’s what your frugal friends are saying about this sweet and tangy pie…
One reader writes: “Super decadent. I like how easy it is”
B. writes: “Heavenly and dreamy”
Kim writes: “Love this!! So good!!”
Jenna writes: “Delicious! A little slice of Florida right at home!”
Glenda writes: “Great taste!”
Heather writes: “One of my all time favorites, so tangy and creamy!”
Kristy writes: “Such a refreshing dessert.”
Tara writes: “Delicious!”
Rebecca writes: “Delish! Such a fabulous dessert to celebrate the season!”
Lisa writes: “It really doesn’t get much easier!”
Kristy writes: “Yummy!”
Kathy writes: “Such a tasty dessert!”
Sandi writes: “I love you can use a store-bought crust.”
Shannon writes: “I’ve done half graham cracker crumbs and half ritz crackers for the crust. The salty component is a nice touch.”
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Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
Authentic Key Lime Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Key Lime Juice
- 28 oz. Sweetened Condensed Milk , (two 14 oz. cans)
- 2/3 cup Sour Cream
- 1 tbsp. Grated Lime Zest
- 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt
- 1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust, (9 inch)
- 8 oz. Whip Cream or Cool Whip, (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add Key Lime Juice, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Sour Cream, Lime Zest & Sea Salt to medium mixing bowl, and stir until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to Graham Cracker Pie Crust, and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees on middle oven rack.
- After 15 minutes, turn oven heat off and allow pie to remain in oven for 10 more minutes with the oven door open.
- Then remove from oven and allow pie to cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to refrigerator.
- Allow pie to chill in refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
- When ready to serve, remove pie from refrigerator, top with cool whip, garnish with additional lime slices if desired, and ENJOY!
Notes
- For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
- Follow The Frugal Girls on Pinterest for more Easy Recipes!
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!Wasn’t that SO easy?
Now are you ready for even more homemade delicious pies?
Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered!
These easy pies will give you instant kitchen superstar status! Who knew it was SO easy to make pies from scratch?
From fruit pies to cream cheese pies, there’s something fun for everyone!
Go grab another fun recipe to try this week…
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So have you tried this easy Key Lime Pie Recipe yet?
Leave a comment and share…
Looks so delicious. I really love lime Pie.
Kisses!
Thank you so much, Adriana!
your pies look so attractive and must be delicious….
Thank you for sharing recipe…
You’re so sweet… thank you!
Limes have summer written all over them. I use lime juice in cooking all the time so this is a no-brainer cake for me, especially if I don’t have to bake the pastry first. Looks yummy, Heidi, thank you!
You’re very welcome… ENJOY! 🙂
Pie recipes are my wife’s favorite ones.
Thank you very much, she will be very happy to learn more about these delicious cakes.
You’re very welcome!!
Cette crème doit ĂŞtre dĂ©licieuse j’aime beaucoup le citron
Bonne journée
It really is SO delicious!
Divine!
I love lime anything!
Hugs and blessings, Heidi
Thanks, Veronica! It really is such a fun citrus flavor!
Perfect for easy summer entertaining!
I definitely agree, Tasia!! Key Lime pie is such a tasty summer treat!
The pie looks so delicious and I love lime. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful new week.
You’re very welcome! Nothing beats a tangy lime pie in the Summertime!
I haven’t had key lime pie in a really long time! I’d love to try this recipe, I can’t believe how easy it is. Thank you for sharing Heidi!
It definitely sounds like it’s time to make some! It really is SO easy to make! 🙂
This looks deliciously easy to make! I don’t think I’ve ever made a key-lime pie but I’ll definitely will have to give this recipe a try. Thanks for sharing!!
You’re very welcome, Loren! Key Lime Pie really is such a cinch to make! 🙂