This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This past week while talking with friends during my adventures in pie-making, I couldn’t help but notice one thing:
Everyone has a favorite pie.
And they tend to be very eager to tell you about it.
Seriously, I had no idea that friends I have known and loved for years had such deep and strong opinions about their favorite pies! But perhaps more so, I had no idea that they would all love so many different kinds of pies. Some people were passionate about their pecan pies. Some couldn’t wait to taste a bite of French Silk. Others were requesting that bourbon being added to a peach pie.
But I was surprised that the most requested pie — at least amongst my friends — was actually a classic Key Lime Pie.
Apparently, people love their Key Lime Pie!
Some friends had made it with their families growing up. Some said it gave them fond memories beach and fresh lime trees (since you know that we live about as far away from those as possible in Kansas City!). Some had the tradition of always ordering it at a favorite restaurant. And some just flat-out loved it.
Whatever the reasoning, Key Lime Pie was definitely a favorite amongst my friends, and they ate in a flash during our night of taste-testing. Although you’d better believe I also had a slice!!
Key Lime Pie was actually the first pie I chose to make in my lineup of pie recipes last week — partly because I love it, but partly because it is one of the easiest pies to make. I’m not kidding. This recipe is pretty much foolproof!
All you need is to make a graham cracker crust, whisk together the ingredients for that perfectly sweet and tart key lime filling, bake it briefly then refrigerate for a few hours. And voila — a delicious Key Lime Pie will be ready to go with less than about 30 minutes of prep work. (Or less than 20 if you decide to “cheat” and use the bottled key lime juice at the store. No judging here — if you want to save your fingers from squeezing a zillion limes, it’s an option!)
So if you were one of the many who would instantly shout out “Key Lime” if I asked about your favorite pie, you should definitely give this one a try. Enjoy!
Mix the crust. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Bake. Bake for 10 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack until ready to add the filling.
To Make The Filling:
Whisk the filling. While the crust is baking, whisk together the condensed milk and egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl until combined. Add lime juice and zest and whisk by hand for 1 minute until combined and slightly thickened.
Bake. Pour the filling into pre-baked pie crust and bake the pie for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let the pie cool until it reaches room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until chilled and set.
Garnish. Top with whipped cream just before serving, if desired, sprinkled with a hint of lime zest and finished with a lime twist. Serve and enjoy!
My grandpa would tell you key lime pie is his very favorite too, I am still in the air between pecan, chocolate chip cookie and french silk. I can never choose. LOL!
This pie is gorgeous, Ali! I will have to make it sometime when I visit my grandparents!
Key lime pie is my all-time favorite – the one I never turn down at a good restaurant even if I did have enough dinner! I have to save your pecan pie recipe, too, though, because that is my father-in-law’s favorite.
I love love LOVE key lime pie, but I have to admit that I’ve never made it myself, simply because squeezing all of those little limes seems so tedious! They are so dang small!
What a beautiful pie Ali! This is one pie that I think would be perfect for summer time. And I am a huge fan of not having to make a pie crust because well they terrify me. At least I have your new tutorial when I am finally ready to try to make one :)
I’ve had bad luck with key lime desserts of late. I didn’t have any eggs one time so I tried egg beaters and it never solidified though that recipe didn’t call for any oven time either. My other issue is finding a recipe for a lactose intolerant person. Any tips?
Oh, Ali…I am with you! I just adore tart pies and my favorite is Classic Key Lime Pie. But, it is in a tie with Tart Cherry Pie. I just adore them both and your Key Lime Pie looks fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing, girl! Pinning to all applicable group boards at Pinterest! xo
My favorite pie has got to be banoffee pie, but key lime is definitely up there in the top five. If it looks as delicious as this, it might even take first place…
Thank you Ali! I live close to the Fl keys and key lime is our thing, I enjoyed making it for my friend’s birthday, thank you! This recipe is fantastic!
I make this pie all the time. People try to put to many ingredients in the pie and they ruin it. I would never use the bottled lime juice. Just get a garlic press cut the key limes in half and squeeze. The press is fast and easy.
Hi Flavia, feel free to check out the recipe for instructions on making the crust. But it calls for:
1 1/4 cups finely-ground graham cracker crumbs
2 Tbsp. sugar
5 Tbsp. butter, melted
I rarely use the phrase “go to”…but this is the key lime recipe that I have used a dozen times. So, thank you. Being gluten free, we have found a graham cracker called S’moreables that has even better flavor than the other kinds. I don’t mind spending 30 minutes reaming tiny key limes, but I’ve also had great results using Yuzu juice for about half of the key lime quantity. My husband always requests the Yuzu Key Lime Pie now. Again, thank you!
I live in Florida and have a key lime tree so I make key lime pie a lot. Most key lime pie recipes call for key lime zest. Your pictures look like you added zest but it’s not on your list of ingredients. Should it be in there? I’m curious.
Eek, I always have a hard time with graham cracker crusts. I recommend making sure the crust is cooked enough, and also butter or spray the pan well beforehand.
My first ever key lime pie with real key limes. Picked up a bag at an HEB store in Rockport, TX. It was enough for 2 pies. We are winter Texans from MN. I cheated though and used already made graham cracker crust. It worked out very well.
Hey. your recipe looks to die for. I am making a Key Lime pie for my friend’s mother on Friday and I was wondering how many limes you typically use as I’d prefer to use fresh. Thanks and have a great day!
For those planning to make this in the future: there was not enough filling to fill a 9 inch pie pan. I would recommend adding a little more condensed milk.
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
Thank you for sharing, Joana. We haven’t had that problem before, but that’s good to know.
Made this key lime pie tonight and it was so easy and delicious. The family loved it and the friends we had over ate two helpings. Thanks for the great recipe.
Can you double recipe and use 13×9 dish and make into bars???
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
Hi Ana! Ooh, we think that’s a fabulous idea! We haven’t tried it, but we think doubling it should be enough for a 13×9 dish for bars. We hope you enjoy!
I just made this last night and boy did it go fast! It was so delicious and way easier than I ever imagined it would be! Your recipes never disappoint!! I was considering doubling the recipe and using a 13x 9 pan like someone mentioned in the comments, would I need to double the bake time to 30 minutes?
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
We’re so glad to hear it was a hit, Nadia, and thank you for your sweet words! We’re happy you like the blog. If you’re going to try and double this and use a 13×9 pan, we’re not sure you would exactly need to double the bake time, but it will take longer. We’d suggest setting your timer for 20 min, and then check after that, checking in increments of 5. We hope this helps!
As is the case with all graham cracker crumb recipes, *please* indicate how many actual crackers a given volume of crumbs represents.
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
Hi Ian, you can actually buy the crumbs at the store, so that’s easy to measure, but if you’re using whole graham crackers, we recommend pulsing about 7 or 8 crackers first and then measuring. You may need to add a couple more — 1 1/4 cups of crumbs is equivalent to about one sleeve of graham crackers.
Hi Leni! To freeze this, wrap it tightly with foil or plastic freezer wrap, and/or place in a freezer bag. We would freeze it without the whipped cream though. We hope you enjoy!
I made this pie over the weekend for the very first time. I have to say everything was fine except one thing. My issue with this recipe was 1/2 cup of key lime juice being a bit too much for my family’s personal taste but that can be adjusted in the future. Otherwise, it was a good recipe and Surprisingly, I had no issues with making the crust.
I am one of the many: key lime pie is my favorite pie of all time…and yours looks gorgeous! I would eat the whole thing.
My grandpa would tell you key lime pie is his very favorite too, I am still in the air between pecan, chocolate chip cookie and french silk. I can never choose. LOL!
This pie is gorgeous, Ali! I will have to make it sometime when I visit my grandparents!
I use to love Key Lime pie when I was in highscool
(well I really just loved the filling haha) but haven’t had it in years! Looks beautiful!
Oh my gosh, this looks amazing!! Key Lime Pie is one of my favorites. I want to dive right into this pie!! :)
Key lime pie is my all-time favorite – the one I never turn down at a good restaurant even if I did have enough dinner! I have to save your pecan pie recipe, too, though, because that is my father-in-law’s favorite.
I love love LOVE key lime pie, but I have to admit that I’ve never made it myself, simply because squeezing all of those little limes seems so tedious! They are so dang small!
Love key lime pie! It is one pie that is always a hit when you make it! And oh so good in the summertime!
This is definitely among my list of favorites– right up there with pumpkin and apple. I could never choose!
Oh Ali, could your pie look any more perfect?!
Key Lime Pie is my son’s favorite and he happens to be flying home tonight. I think I’ll surprise him with this.
What a beautiful pie Ali! This is one pie that I think would be perfect for summer time. And I am a huge fan of not having to make a pie crust because well they terrify me. At least I have your new tutorial when I am finally ready to try to make one :)
I’ve had bad luck with key lime desserts of late. I didn’t have any eggs one time so I tried egg beaters and it never solidified though that recipe didn’t call for any oven time either. My other issue is finding a recipe for a lactose intolerant person. Any tips?
I love my key lime pie too! This is super gorgeous Ali!
This sounds so perfect! Love it!
Love, love, love key lime pie in the summer!
Key lime pie is hard to beat and yours looks fabulous!!
Oh, Ali…I am with you! I just adore tart pies and my favorite is Classic Key Lime Pie. But, it is in a tie with Tart Cherry Pie. I just adore them both and your Key Lime Pie looks fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing, girl! Pinning to all applicable group boards at Pinterest! xo
Gorgeous, Ali! LOVE key lime! :)
Prettiest key lime pie I’ve ever seen!
I love key lime pie too, and yours is gorgeous!! My favorite is probably still blueberry pie, followed closely by apple pie :)
I love a good key lime pie like this! So pretty!
My favorite pie has got to be banoffee pie, but key lime is definitely up there in the top five. If it looks as delicious as this, it might even take first place…
This is making me drool over here! My one son request a special pie every year for his bday…now I can nudge him into having this one this year!
I’m living with my dad for the summer while I recover from a broken leg. He hates key lime pie, but I don’t. More for me!
Key Lime Pie has got to be my all time favorite pie! It’s perfect :)
Key lime pie is a summer favorite of mine :) my mom used to make her own special recipe when we were young. This looks wonderful!
Just tried this recipe……I’m in love :)
Made this pie for a dinner party and it was a huge hit!
Thank you Ali! I live close to the Fl keys and key lime is our thing, I enjoyed making it for my friend’s birthday, thank you! This recipe is fantastic!
I made this pie when I had some friends over and it turned out great! I think everyone had a second piece!
I make this pie all the time. People try to put to many ingredients in the pie and they ruin it. I would never use the bottled lime juice. Just get a garlic press cut the key limes in half and squeeze. The press is fast and easy.
Your pie looks delicious! I have a 9 1/2-inch pie dish, i’d like to know the amount of graham crackers, butter and sugar for the pie crust. Thanks! :)
Hi Flavia, feel free to check out the recipe for instructions on making the crust. But it calls for:
1 1/4 cups finely-ground graham cracker crumbs
2 Tbsp. sugar
5 Tbsp. butter, melted
So easy and so delicious. Made this for my husband’s birthday. He loves Key Lime pie!
My husband loves Key Lime Tart. Will make this one for him :)
I have this pie resting on the cooling rack now! Excited to try it tonight after dinner. I’ll tag it on Instagram later! :) Thanks!
I rarely use the phrase “go to”…but this is the key lime recipe that I have used a dozen times. So, thank you. Being gluten free, we have found a graham cracker called S’moreables that has even better flavor than the other kinds. I don’t mind spending 30 minutes reaming tiny key limes, but I’ve also had great results using Yuzu juice for about half of the key lime quantity. My husband always requests the Yuzu Key Lime Pie now. Again, thank you!
I live in Florida and have a key lime tree so I make key lime pie a lot. Most key lime pie recipes call for key lime zest. Your pictures look like you added zest but it’s not on your list of ingredients. Should it be in there? I’m curious.
Oops, thanks for catching that. Yes, I used 1 tablespoon of lime zest, which is optional.
Yuuumm… or on my son words… Oh my God, Oh myyy God!!! Easy and delicious.
Haha, thank you!
Eek, I always have a hard time with graham cracker crusts. I recommend making sure the crust is cooked enough, and also butter or spray the pan well beforehand.
My first ever key lime pie with real key limes. Picked up a bag at an HEB store in Rockport, TX. It was enough for 2 pies. We are winter Texans from MN. I cheated though and used already made graham cracker crust. It worked out very well.
Hey Lila, thanks for trying my recipe, I’m glad you liked it!
Hey. your recipe looks to die for. I am making a Key Lime pie for my friend’s mother on Friday and I was wondering how many limes you typically use as I’d prefer to use fresh. Thanks and have a great day!
For those planning to make this in the future: there was not enough filling to fill a 9 inch pie pan. I would recommend adding a little more condensed milk.
Thank you for sharing, Joana. We haven’t had that problem before, but that’s good to know.
I just made this for Father’s day and it was a major hit!! It was so easy to make too. Thanks for the recipe.
We’re so glad to hear that, Erin! : )
Made this key lime pie tonight and it was so easy and delicious. The family loved it and the friends we had over ate two helpings. Thanks for the great recipe.
Thank you Kim, we’re so glad you enjoyed it! :)
Can you double recipe and use 13×9 dish and make into bars???
Hi Ana! Ooh, we think that’s a fabulous idea! We haven’t tried it, but we think doubling it should be enough for a 13×9 dish for bars. We hope you enjoy!
I just made this last night and boy did it go fast! It was so delicious and way easier than I ever imagined it would be! Your recipes never disappoint!! I was considering doubling the recipe and using a 13x 9 pan like someone mentioned in the comments, would I need to double the bake time to 30 minutes?
We’re so glad to hear it was a hit, Nadia, and thank you for your sweet words! We’re happy you like the blog. If you’re going to try and double this and use a 13×9 pan, we’re not sure you would exactly need to double the bake time, but it will take longer. We’d suggest setting your timer for 20 min, and then check after that, checking in increments of 5. We hope this helps!
As is the case with all graham cracker crumb recipes, *please* indicate how many actual crackers a given volume of crumbs represents.
Hi Ian, you can actually buy the crumbs at the store, so that’s easy to measure, but if you’re using whole graham crackers, we recommend pulsing about 7 or 8 crackers first and then measuring. You may need to add a couple more — 1 1/4 cups of crumbs is equivalent to about one sleeve of graham crackers.
Would there be a good way to freeze this?
Hi Leni! To freeze this, wrap it tightly with foil or plastic freezer wrap, and/or place in a freezer bag. We would freeze it without the whipped cream though. We hope you enjoy!
I made this pie over the weekend for the very first time. I have to say everything was fine except one thing. My issue with this recipe was 1/2 cup of key lime juice being a bit too much for my family’s personal taste but that can be adjusted in the future. Otherwise, it was a good recipe and Surprisingly, I had no issues with making the crust.
Awesome key lime pie! I made this yesterday for my boyfriend. He loved it! Super easy too!