Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Filling
- 28 ounce sweetened condensed milk (2 cans, 14 oz each)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 cup lime or key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1-2 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Lime slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the crust and filling.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, and cinnamon if using. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake until it starts to turn golden brown and smells toasted, about 8-10 minutes, then remove from oven.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and well combined.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the lime filling into the pre-baked graham cracker crust. Return the pie to the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan.
- Cool Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably several hours, to help the pie firm up and make slicing easier.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream with granulated sugar and vanilla extract (if using) until medium peaks form. Spread or pipe this whipped cream evenly over the chilled pie.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally decorate the pie with lime slices for a bright, fresh touch. Slice into 8 servings and enjoy this refreshing dessert.
Notes
- You can substitute key lime juice with regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable, but the flavor will be less traditional.
- For a more decorative finish, use a piping bag to create whipped cream rosettes instead of spreading it evenly.
- Make sure not to overbake the filling; it should still jiggle slightly in the center when done to avoid cracking.
- Chilling time can be extended up to overnight for a firmer set and better flavor melding.
- The optional cinnamon in the crust adds warm depth but can be omitted without altering the core flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
