'Key' Lime Pie

Serves eight to ten.

Yields one 9-inch pie.

To learn more, read:
The Key to a Great Lime Pie
by Becky Campbell
from Fine Cooking
Issue 64
Last Edit Date: 1/9/2013 1:57:27 PM

If you can find good, fresh Key limes, by all means use them. But I've found that regular limes (also known as Tahiti or Persian limes) make just as good a pie. Whatever you do, avoid bottled Key lime juice; the processing changes the flavor significantly.

more about:

For the crust:

6-3/4 oz. (1-1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. table salt
3 oz. (6 Tbs.) chilled unsalted butter, cubed
2 Tbs. chilled vegetable shortening, cubed
2-1/2 to 3 Tbs. ice water

For the filling:

2 14-oz. cans sweetened condensed milk
2 large egg yolks
1 cup fresh lime juice (from about 4 regular limes)
2 tsp. finely grated lime zest (from about 2 regular limes)

For the garnish:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp. granulated sugar
1 lime, zested into thin strips

Make the crust:

Put the flour and salt in a food processor; pulse to combine. Add the butter cubes and pulse until they’re the size of extra-large peas (about 10 quick pulses). Add the shortening and continue pulsing until the largest pieces of butter and shortening are the size of peas (10 to 15 more quick pulses). Sprinkle 2-1/2 Tbs. of the water over the flour mixture and pulse a few times until the mixture just begins to come together. It should look rather crumbly, but if you press some between your fingers, it should hold together. (If it doesn’t, sprinkle on another 1/2 Tbs. water and pulse a few more times.) Dump the crumbly mix onto a lightly floured surface and press the dough into a 1-inch-thick disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into a round that’s 1/8 inch thick and 12 to 13 inches in diameter. Drape the dough around the rolling pin and ease it into a 9-inch pie pan. With kitchen shears, trim the overhang to 1/2 inch. Fold the overhang under and crimp it to build up an edge. Prick the crust with a fork in several places. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, position an oven rack on the middle rung and heat the oven to 350°F.

Grease one side of a sheet of foil with cooking spray, oil, or butter. Line the pie pan with the foil, greased side down, and fill it with pie weights or beans. Bake until the edges of the crust look dry and start to turn golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and weights; continue baking until the entire crust is deeply golden brown, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool on a rack.

Make the filling:

In a medium bowl, whisk the condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and grated zest. Pour into the cooled pie crust and bake at 350°F until just set, about 30 minutes. The center may still be a bit jiggly. (Use an instant-read thermometer to double-check the doneness; the center of the pie should be at least 140°F.) Let the pie cool thoroughly on a rack and then cover with plastic and refrigerate to chill completely, at least 3 hours but no longer than a day.

Just before serving, whip the cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread the cream on top of the pie, garnish with the strips of lime zest strips, and serve.

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : based on ten servings; Calories (kcal): 620; Fat (g): 28; Fat Calories (kcal): 250; Saturated Fat (g): 16; Protein (g): 11; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 8; Carbohydrates (g): 79; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 3; Sodium (mg): 320; Cholesterol (mg): 120; Fiber (g): 1;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by katmiller, 3/25/2012Excellent. I agree with the fact you need more limes. The use of zest is a true enhancement.

by lavinia, 5/3/2009This is a really tasty recipe. However, I must suggest that it takes roughly 8 limes, not 4, to produce a cup of lime juice. Other than that, great recipe.

by BillieM, 3/24/2008This is an excellent quick pie especially when you use a graham cracker crust. I live in Mexico and I'm using the small Mexican limes. I've served it many times and everyone loves it.

by terryfamily, 2/13/2008I love to make this pie and deliver as a gift to friends. It's so delicious, I know everyone will enjoy it. I prefer a graham cracker crust which makes the pie even easier to make. A family and friend favorite.

by picadillo, 1/20/2008Living in Florida we have access to loads of key limes and loads of recipes. This is by far the finest lime pie I have ever made or eaten. My father in law claims his is the best but no way. My hat is off to Becky Campbell, just superb.

by EJ2, 12/9/2007This is the easiest and most rewarding of all the "key" lime pies. The common sense approach always brings me back and I have adapted it to other citrus pies with equal success. The use of fresh juice is paramount.