Ina Garten’s Perfect Key Lime Pie Recipe – Tangy & Sweet Treat

Key lime pie stands as a quintessential dessert that captures the essence of tropical sweetness and tangy brightness.

Creamy textures and zesty flavors dance together in this classic southern delicacy that promises pure culinary delight.

Ina Garten’s interpretation transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience with her signature elegant approach.

Sweet and tart notes harmonize perfectly, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

The delicate balance of graham cracker crust and silky filling represents a masterful combination of textures and tastes.

Her meticulous technique ensures each slice delivers a perfect blend of creamy richness and citrusy punch.

Home bakers can recreate this restaurant-quality dessert with confidence and minimal complicated steps: indulge in a slice of sunshine.

Why Ina Garten Key Lime Pie Stands Out

• Craft an Effortless Tropical Dessert: This key lime pie offers a simple yet luxurious baking experience that brings Caribbean-inspired flavors right to your kitchen without complicated techniques.
• Enjoy Tangy Texture Perfection: The creamy, smooth filling balanced with a crisp graham cracker crust creates a delightful contrast that dances between zesty lime notes and rich, velvety cream.
• Wow Guests with Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this stunning dessert hours or even a day in advance, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining and guaranteeing a show-stopping finale to any meal.

Ingredients That Bring Zest to Ina Garten Key Lime Pie

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for pie crust with sweet, rich flavor and crumbly texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients and provides rich, smooth consistency.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy, thick base that adds sweetness and smooth texture to the filling.
• Plain Yogurt: Provides tanginess and lightens the filling's density.
• Lime Zest, Lime Juice: Bright, citrusy flavor that defines the key lime pie's signature taste; fresh limes are best for maximum flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Rich, smooth base for whipped topping with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
• Lime Zest, Lime Slices: Decorative garnish that enhances visual appeal and provides fresh citrus accent.

How to Whip Up Ina Garten Key Lime Pie Effortlessly

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust Mixture

Gather graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix ingredients thoroughly using a fork, then gently knead with hands until perfectly combined.

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter

Step 2: Shape Crust in Pie Pan

Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Start by pressing along the sides first, then evenly cover the bottom. Use fingers or a glass bottom for smooth, even distribution.

Step 3: Bake Crust

Place crust in oven preheated to 375°F with rack positioned in middle. Bake for 10 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely.

Step 4: Create Creamy Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Plain yogurt
• Fresh lime zest
• Freshly squeezed lime juice

Blend until mixture becomes thick and silky smooth.

Step 5: Bake Pie Filling

Pour filling into cooled graham cracker crust. Bake for 15 minutes until filling sets but remains slightly jiggly in center.

Step 6: Cool and Chill Pie

Allow pie to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for approximately 3 hours until completely set.

Step 7: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping

Using an electric mixer, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and continue beating until medium peaks develop.

Step 8: Decorate Pie

Spread whipped cream evenly across chilled pie surface. Garnish with fresh lime zest and delicate lime slices.

Step 9: Serve and Store

Keep pie refrigerated until ready to serve. Slice into wedges and enjoy chilled for maximum flavor and texture.

Tips for Creamy Key Lime Texture

• Extract Maximum Lime Flavor: Squeeze fresh Key limes by rolling them firmly on the countertop before cutting to release more juice.
• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, allowing filling to set completely and develop rich, creamy consistency.
• Balance Sweet and Tart: Taste your filling before pouring into the crust, adjusting sweetness with extra condensed milk or a touch of honey.
• Prevent Cracked Surface: Let pie cool gradually at room temperature to avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause surface splitting.
• Enhance Presentation: Top with freshly whipped cream and thin lime slices just before serving to add a professional bakery-style finish.

How to Keep Ina Garten Key Lime Pie Fresh

• Sealed Container Method: Transfer pie to an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Prevents moisture absorption and protects delicate filling from absorbing other refrigerator odors effectively.
• Plastic Wrap Technique: Carefully wrap pie loosely with plastic wrap, leaving minimal air exposure. Creates protective barrier against potential flavor contamination and helps maintain pie's original texture.
• Tin Foil Shield: Gently cover pie with aluminum foil without pressing directly onto surface. Provides additional layer of protection against potential refrigerator temperature fluctuations and prevents accidental damage during storage.

Tangy Twists for Ina Garten Key Lime Pie Lovers

• Tropical Mango Fusion: Replace lime juice with fresh mango puree and add a hint of coconut extract for a Caribbean-inspired dessert that brings sunny flavors to your table.
• Berry Spectacular Remix: Swap lime juice for mixed berry coulis and top with fresh strawberry slices, creating a vibrant and tangy pie with beautiful deep red accents.
• Coconut Cream Adventure: Incorporate shredded coconut into the graham cracker crust and fold coconut cream into the filling for a rich, tropical-style dessert that transports you to island paradise.
• Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the graham cracker crust and drizzle dark chocolate ganache over the whipped cream topping for an indulgent, decadent version of the classic pie.

Wrapping Up the Ina Garten Key Lime Pie Journey

Key Lime Pie emerges as summer’s quintessential dessert, blending tangy lime essence with creamy indulgence.

Ina Garten’s recipe elevates this classic treat through carefully balanced ingredients and precise technique.

Graham cracker crusts provide a buttery foundation while condensed milk creates silky smoothness.

Zesty lime notes dance across each delightful slice, promising refreshment with every bite.

Whipped cream crowns this masterpiece, adding luxurious texture and visual appeal.

Passionate bakers and casual dessert enthusiasts alike will find pure delight in this extraordinary pie – so snap those photos, share with friends, and let culinary magic spark conversation among those craving sweet summer memories.

Ina Garten Key Lime Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s key lime pie delivers a zesty tropical escape with its tangy graham cracker crust and silky lime custard. Creamy, refreshing flavors dance across your palate, whisking you straight to coastal Florida with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 14-ounce (396 grams) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
• 1 cup cold heavy cream

Crust Ingredients:

• 1½ cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Flavoring and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
• ¾ cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
• 8 to 10 thin lime slices

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack positioned in the center of the oven.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl, using a fork to initially blend, then switching to hands to ensure thorough incorporation.
3. Transfer the crumb mixture to a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, pressing firmly along the bottom and sides using fingertips or the flat bottom of a glass, focusing first on creating even sides.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it achieves a light golden-brown color, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
6. Whisk sweetened condensed milk, yogurt, freshly grated lime zest, and lime juice in a large bowl until the mixture becomes thick and uniformly smooth.
7. Carefully pour the lime filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, watching for a filling that’s almost set but retains a slight wobble in the center.
9. Let the pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for approximately 3 hours to achieve complete setting.
10. Using an electric mixer, whip heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form.
11. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and continue beating until medium-firm peaks develop.
12. Spread the prepared whipped cream evenly across the chilled pie’s surface.
13. Garnish with additional lime zest and thin lime slices for visual appeal.
14. Maintain the pie in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
15. Cut into wedges and serve chilled for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Fresh lime zest adds intense citrusy punch and bright aroma to every bite.
• Chilling pie overnight deepens flavor profiles and helps filling set perfectly.
• Graham cracker crust works best when pressed firmly into pan with even pressure.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create consistent filling texture.
• Whipped cream topping looks stunning when piped using star-tipped pastry bag for elegant finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg