If you have a soft spot for tangy desserts with just the right hint of sweetness, this Easy Key Lime Pie will win your heart (and every forkful). With a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, citrusy filling, it’s as irresistible as it is effortless. You don’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients to whip up this treat—the beauty of Easy Key Lime Pie is all about simplicity and bold, fresh flavors. Whether you want a showstopping finish for a summer dinner or something special for a weekend treat, this pie makes magic happen in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for Easy Key Lime Pie is beautifully short, each ingredient playing a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. Gather these few items and you’re already halfway to pie bliss. Every element is here for a reason—don’t skip a thing!

Graham cracker crumbs: The classic choice for that sweet, satisfying crunch in every bite of pie.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust and adds a hint of richness you’ll taste in every crumb.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch of sugar balances the tangy lime and deepens the golden color of the crust.
Sweetened condensed milk: The magic ingredient that makes the filling ultra-creamy without needing extra sugar.
Key lime juice: Fresh is best for the brightest citrus flavor, but bottled Key lime juice is a great backup if limes aren’t handy.
Egg yolks: These give the filling its silky texture and help hold everything together as it bakes.
Lime zest: Tiny flecks of zest add fresh aroma, vibrant color, and an extra pop of lime flavor.
Whipped cream (for topping): A cloud of whipped cream balances the pie’s tartness and offers a creamy finish.

How to Make Easy Key Lime Pie

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and feel a bit like wet sand. Pour them into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing firmly to form the crust along the bottom and up the sides—use the bottom of a measuring cup for a perfect, even layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it’s just turning golden and smells wonderfully toasty. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Key Lime Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Incorporate the fresh Key lime juice and lime zest, giving it a good stir. The filling will thicken a bit as you mix—it should be creamy and pourable with flecks of green zest speckling the surface. Pour this luscious filling into your cooled crust, smoothing the top.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Place your filled pie back into the oven, still at 350°F (175°C), and bake for about 15 minutes. The center should be mostly set but still slightly wobbly—don’t overbake, as the pie will firm up as it cools. Let your Easy Key Lime Pie cool at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 more hours (or overnight) to fully set.

Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream and Serve

Once chilled, crown your slice of Easy Key Lime Pie with a generous swirl of whipped cream. For a classic look, use a piping bag or simply spoon dollops decoratively right before serving. A little extra lime zest on top gives a final flourish and a promise of more citrus heaven.

How to Serve Easy Key Lime Pie

Garnishes

There’s something so joyful about dressing up a homemade dessert. Sprinkling the pie with extra lime zest absolutely makes the citrus aroma pop. Add thin slices or twists of fresh lime for a pop of color. If you like a little crunch, try scattering crushed graham crackers or even toasted coconut over the whipped cream topping.

Side Dishes

A slice of Easy Key Lime Pie pairs beautifully with coffee or a mellow black tea. For a party, it’s wonderful alongside a fruit salad with strawberries and pineapple, or next to a scoop of coconut ice cream if you’re feeling extra fancy. Because it’s quite rich, keep sides simple and refreshing to balance the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Easy Key Lime Pie in mini tart shells for cute, individual desserts at your next gathering. If you’re making it for a crowd, slice it into slim bars and serve them on a platter with a rainbow of citrus slices. For a little visual drama, try layering the filling in clear glasses with crumbled graham crackers for parfaits—no fork required!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Key Lime Pie is a make-ahead dream. Simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crust stays pleasantly crisp, and the filling keeps its fresh, tangy zing. Just avoid topping with whipped cream until right before serving to keep it looking its best.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy a taste of sunshine later, this pie freezes very well. Once completely cooled, wrap the pie (without whipped cream) tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add your whipped cream garnish just before serving.

Reheating

You won’t need to reheat Easy Key Lime Pie—this dessert shines when served chilled straight from the refrigerator. If you’ve frozen your pie, thaw it in the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes so the texture comes back to its luscious best.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of Key limes?

Absolutely! While authentic Key limes give a little extra brightness and fragrance, regular limes work beautifully and still create a delicious Easy Key Lime Pie. Just use the same amount of juice and zest—your pie will still sing with citrus flavor.

Do I have to bake the pie?

Yes, a brief bake is essential, both to set the filling (thanks to the egg yolks) and to develop the crust’s flavor. It’s a quick bake, though, and totally worth the wait for that ultra-smooth, sliceable filling.

How long should I chill the pie before serving?

Plan to chill your Easy Key Lime Pie for at least 3 hours, but it gets even better overnight. Chilling helps the filling set completely, making it easier to cut neatly and giving the flavors time to meld together for the perfect bite.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can swap the sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk and use a plant-based butter for the crust. Top with coconut whipped cream for a tropical, dairy-free twist on Easy Key Lime Pie.

Can I make the pie in advance for a party?

Definitely! Easy Key Lime Pie is ideal for making the day before a gathering. Assemble and bake the pie, let it cool and chill, then simply add whipped cream and garnishes right before serving. It cuts cleanly and looks gorgeous, with zero stress on the day of your event.

Final Thoughts

You won’t believe how quickly this Easy Key Lime Pie comes together, or how fast it disappears once you serve it! With bright citrus notes and a dreamy creamy filling, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again. Invite your friends and family to grab a fork and savor a slice—they’re sure to fall in love with it, just like you will.

Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe