Description
This Frozen Key Lime Cream Pie features a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and tangy lime filling, and a fluffy homemade whipped cream topping. It’s a refreshing make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar (for crust)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
6 extra-large egg yolks, room temperature
¼ cup sugar (for filling)
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 tablespoons grated lime zest
¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Optional: a few squeezes of lemon juice
1 cup cold heavy cream
¼ cup sugar (for whipped cream)
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Thin lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- Beat the egg yolks and sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes until thick and pale.
- Reduce the mixer speed to medium and blend in the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice, and optional lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and place the pie in the freezer.
- Beat the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until firm peaks develop.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the frozen pie and garnish with thin lime wedges.
- Freeze for about 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving.
Notes
Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the brightest flavor, but bottled juice may be used if needed.
Use Key lime juice for a more authentic flavor.
Add toasted shredded coconut to the crust for extra texture.
Substitute crushed vanilla wafers for graham crackers if desired.
Fold extra lime zest into the whipped cream for additional citrus flavor.
Garnish with fresh berries or toasted coconut flakes for presentation.
Store tightly covered in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Let the pie stand at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake and Freeze
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 205 mg
