Fluffy Key Lime Pie Recipe – American Special
Fluffy Key Lime Pie is a refreshing, tangy dessert that combines the tartness of fresh key lime juice with a creamy, airy filling. This no-bake pie features a smooth, light texture thanks to whipped cream or meringue folded into the custard-like filling, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Set in a buttery graham cracker crust, the pie is chilled to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up, making it an ideal summer treat or a show-stopping finale to any meal. With its bright citrus flavor and delicate texture, Fluffy Key Lime Pie is a delightful twist on the classic, offering a light and satisfying end to your dining experience.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time25 min
- Total Time40 min
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest (if using). Beat until fully combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the lime mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream too much. The filling should be light and fluffy.
Assemble the Pie:
Pour the fluffy lime filling into the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set and chill.
Serve:
Before serving, garnish with lime slices or lime zest for a fresh touch.
Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the refreshing, creamy goodness of your homemade Fluffy Key Lime Pie!
Recipe Notes :
Key Limes vs Regular Limes:Key limes have a more intense, tart flavor, but if you can’t find them, regular limes work just as well. The pie will still be delicious, though key limes give it a distinctive taste.
Whipping the Cream:Be sure to whip the cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the filling. This helps create the fluffy texture of the pie. Don’t overmix or the filling might become too dense.
Make-Ahead:This pie is great for making ahead! It needs time to chill and set, so it’s perfect for prepping the day before you plan to serve it. Just keep it well-covered in the fridge.
Storage:Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
