Individual Key Lime Pies
This recipe creates delightful individual key lime pies, featuring a zesty, creamy lime curd, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a light, airy whipped cream topping. It's an easy-to-follow method for a refreshing and elegant dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer Or a large bowl and whisk
- 12 Serving Cups Small glasses or ramekins
Ingredients
Main
- 1 cup lime juice
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 14 eggs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 12 whole graham crackers
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- For the lime curd: Combine the lime juice, sugar and butter in a medium saucepan and cook on a low flame until the butter melts. Beat the eggs, add to the saucepan and stir until combined. Bring to a simmer. Stir constantly and cook until the mixture is a thick and creamy consistency, 5 to7 minutes. Pass through a mesh strainer. Chill for 2 hours in the fridge.
- For the crust: Add the sugar and graham crackers to a food processor. Pour in the melted butter and pulse to combine.
- For the topping: Whip the cream with the sugar until stiff.
- To assemble, layer the crumb mixture into the bottom of a serving cup, followed by the lime curd. Top with the whipped cream mixture and garnish with lime zest.
Notes
1. For the lime curd, use fresh key lime juice if possible; its bright, aromatic flavor is superior to bottled. Stir constantly while simmering to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency. Straining is crucial for a silken texture. Ensure the curd is thoroughly chilled for proper setting. 2. When making the crust, pulse the graham crackers until they are fine crumbs but avoid over-processing into a paste. The melted butter should just bind the crumbs. 3. For the whipped cream, chilling your bowl and whisk beforehand will help achieve stiffer peaks faster and maintain stability, preventing over-whipping. Garnish with fresh lime zest just before serving for vibrant color and aroma.