Key Lime Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (about 15-20 key limes)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
2. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand and holds together when pressed.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to compact it.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

3. Make the Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and key lime zest until smooth and well combined.
2. Pour the filling into the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.

4. Bake the Pie:

1. Return the pie to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when shaken.
2. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours, or until chilled and set.

5. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.

6. Serve the Pie:

1. Once chilled, spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the key lime pie.
2. Optionally, garnish with additional key lime zest or slices for decoration.
3. Slice and serve the key lime pie chilled, and enjoy its refreshing citrus flavor!

Note: For best results, use freshly squeezed key lime juice for the filling. If key limes are not available, you can use regular lime juice as a substitute, although the flavor may be slightly different. Additionally, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the whipped cream to your taste by adding more or less powdered sugar.