Go Back

Key Lime Pie

This key lime pie recipe is made with condensed milk and sour cream. Fabulously easy and a summertime favorite! If you have time, a homemade graham cracker crust is better. Garnish with whipped cream and thin slices of lime if you like.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine world
Servings 8 people
Calories 193.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Baking Sheet For even baking and easier transfer.
  • 1 Wire Rack For cooling the pie.
  • 1 Microplane or Zester For grating lime zest.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 3 cups sweetened condensed milk
  • ¾ cup key lime juice
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
  • 1 9 inch prepared graham cracker crust

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Combine condensed milk, key lime juice, sour cream, and lime zest in a bowl; mix well. Pour into graham cracker crust; place pie on a baking sheet. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until tiny pinhole bubbles burst on the surface of the pie. The filling will be wobbly but not browned. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Transfer pie to a wire rack to cool, then thoroughly chill pie in the refrigerator before serving, about 1 hour. Garnish with lime slices and whipped cream, if desired. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Serve and enjoy! Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Notes

For an authentic Key Lime Pie, always use fresh key lime juice; bottled varieties often lack the specific tartness and aroma. Zest your limes before juicing to maximize flavor extraction. The short baking time is crucial—look for just a slight set around the edges and tiny bubbles, as over-baking will cause the filling to curdle and lose its silky texture. A homemade graham cracker crust elevates this pie significantly. Ensure thorough chilling for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for the filling to set properly and achieve its characteristic firm, yet creamy, consistency. Garnish with freshly whipped cream and thin lime slices just before serving for optimal presentation and balance.