Desserts

Key lime pie

⏱ 60 min🍳 15 min👤 8 pp★★★☆☆

A delicious American dessert classic of Florida, an area where lime trees grow abundant. Lime is a mix between lemon and cedar. This Key Lime Pie is a refreshing and light dessert, perfect for a fish dinner and for summer.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving

Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
52g
Fat
32g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Preparation time
15 minutes Cooking time
Serves 8 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Finely grind Digestive biscuits, mix with melted butter, one spoon of sugar and mix well. Press mixture into cake tin. Whisk yolks for 5 minutes, then add condensed milk, lemon juice and grated lime zest. Pour the mixture over the base and bake at 180°CC for 15 min. Once cold, spread on surface a thin layer of lime jam. Decorate with whipped cream.

Tips
Dry biscuits are perfect for making cheesecakes bases, as they combine very well with butter, that must be at room temperature.
Trivia
Lime is a fresh fruit, perfect to be used for summer desserts. In Florida, in the Key West area, the weather is really hot: this dessert is the answer for who's looking for something nice and cool! Moreover, lime juice is known for its purifying and disinfectant properties and for being a remedy against sickness.

Step by step

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Additional information

Key Lime Pie with lime jam

A delicious variation of the traditional Key Lime Pie is certainly the one with the addition of lime jam. This preparation enriches the flavor of the dessert, providing a note of sweetness that perfectly balances the acidity of the lime. To make it, simply spread a thin layer of jam on the surface of the pie once it is completely cooled. The jam not only adds an additional layer of flavor but also makes the pie more visually appealing, creating a very inviting color contrast. This variation is ideal for those who love sweeter desserts and can be served as a dessert for special occasions. The combination of fresh lime and jam creates a perfect balance, making each slice a true delight.

American-style Key Lime Pie

The Key Lime Pie is an iconic dessert of American tradition, originating from the Florida Keys. This dessert is characterized by a crunchy base of Digestive biscuits, a creamy filling made from egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and lime juice. The preparation involves a brief baking in the oven, which allows for a perfect consistency. In some regional variations, a meringue is added on top of the pie, which is then browned in the oven for a contrast of textures. This version is particularly appreciated for its refreshing flavor and lightness, making it perfect for hot summer days. Serving the Key Lime Pie with a generous portion of whipped cream makes the dessert even more indulgent, combining creaminess and freshness in a single bite.

Light Key Lime Pie without sweetened condensed milk

For those who desire a lighter version of the Key Lime Pie, it can be prepared without sweetened condensed milk. This light variant uses Greek yogurt instead of sweetened condensed milk, significantly reducing the calories while still maintaining a creamy consistency. To make it, simply mix the Greek yogurt with egg yolks, lime juice, and a sweetener of your choice. The base remains unchanged, with Digestive biscuits and butter. This preparation is ideal for those following a low-calorie diet but who do not want to give up the taste of a fresh and fragrant dessert. Additionally, it is perfect for those with lactose intolerance, as Greek yogurt is often better tolerated. The light Key Lime Pie is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing the pleasure of dessert.

Benefits of lime in Key Lime Pie and approximate calories

Lime, the main ingredient in Key Lime Pie, is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to the dessert preparation. Vitamin C is essential for the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Additionally, lime has digestive properties and can help improve iron absorption in the body. Regarding calories, a serving of traditional Key Lime Pie contains about 300-350 calories, but the light version with Greek yogurt can reduce this value to about 200-250 calories. By choosing healthier ingredients, it is possible to enjoy this dessert without feeling guilty, making it an ideal choice even for those who pay attention to their diet.

Can Key Lime Pie be frozen?

Key Lime Pie can be frozen, but it is important to follow some precautions to preserve its consistency and flavor. Before freezing, make sure it is completely cooled. Wrap the pie in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from the freezer. You can freeze it for a maximum of 2-3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, it is advisable to transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours before serving, allowing it to thaw slowly. However, the consistency of the cream may be slightly different once thawed, so it is best to consume it fresh if possible. Freezing the Key Lime Pie is an excellent solution for preparing desserts in advance for events or special occasions.