Key Lime Pie Whipped Cream (Printable)

Tangy key lime filling in a buttery crust topped with billowy whipped cream and a hint of lime zest.

# What you'll need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

04 - 4 large egg yolks
05 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
06 - 1/2 cup key lime juice, fresh or bottled
07 - 1 tbsp key lime zest, about 2 limes
08 - 1/8 tsp salt

→ Whipped Cream Topping

09 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
10 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
11 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
02 - Bake the crust for 8 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the filling.
03 - Whisk together egg yolks and lime zest for 2 minutes until pale in color. Slowly whisk in sweetened condensed milk until incorporated. Add lime juice and salt, mixing until smooth and slightly thickened.
04 - Pour filling into the cooled crust. Bake for 12 minutes until the center is set but still slightly wobbly when gently shaken.
05 - Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, approximately 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until completely chilled and set.
06 - Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
07 - Spread or pipe whipped cream over chilled pie. Garnish with additional lime zest if desired. Slice and serve cold.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between the tangy lime filling and sweet whipped cream creates the perfect balance
  • It comes together quickly but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen
  • This pie transports you straight to a sunny Florida afternoon
02 -
  • Over baking causes the filling to crack, so pull it out when that center still jiggles slightly
  • The pie needs the full chilling time or the filling will not set properly
  • Whipped cream weeps if added too soon, so wait until you are ready to serve
03 -
  • Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the filling, so set them out 30 minutes before you start
  • Zest your limes before juicing them, as it is much easier to hold onto the fruit when it has not been squeezed yet

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