Prime Time For Key Lime Pie

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, author of The Yearling, embraced Florida's culinary traditions in her writings. Her memoir Cross Creek, shared recipes that celebrated the state's flavors, including a version of key lime pie, highlighting its significance in culinary heritage, affirming that food is quite often a reliable storyteller.

Even in the realm of sports, key lime pie has its fans. Legendary Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden was known to enjoy this quintessential dessert, further cementing its status as a beloved treat across various walks of life.

Clemmie’s Key Lime Pie with Whipped Cream Topping

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs

⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar

6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

4 large egg yolks

1 tablespoon grated key lime zest

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

½ cup fresh key lime juice (or bottled key lime juice)

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

1½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled

½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.

Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.

Make the Filling:

In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and lime zest until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add sweetened condensed milk and continue to whisk until well combined.

Stir in the key lime juice until the mixture thickens slightly.

Pour the filling into the cooled crust.

Bake at 350° for 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set.

Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:

In a chilled mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.

Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie.

Garnish with additional lime zest or thin lime slices

This recipe offers a refreshing and creamy dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The whipped cream topping complements the tartness of the key lime filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.