The Perfect Key Lime Pie – This Easy Recipe Brings the Taste Alive!

Key Lime Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of Florida history. Believed to have originated in the Florida Keys in the late 1800s, this tangy, creamy pie is made with Key limes, a smaller, more aromatic variety than traditional limes. It’s a beloved staple in the Keys, where fresh seafood and tropical flavors define the local cuisine.

Whenever I’m invited to a potluck, Key Lime Pie is my most requested dish. I’ve been using the same recipe since the late ‘80s/early ‘90s, originally found in a cookbook from the once-iconic Burdine’s department store (not to be confused with Burdine’s Waterfront Marina and Bar & Grill in Marathon, which is also fantastic!).

This recipe is incredibly simple yet delivers amazing results every time. Plus, it makes two pies—one to share and one to keep!

Ingredients:

✔️ 1 cup Key Lime juice – Always use fresh, never bottled
✔️ 12 egg yolks – Save the whites for meringue if you’d like
✔️ 3 cans sweetened condensed milk

I prefer a homemade graham cracker crust, following the directions on the box.

Instructions:

1️⃣ Mix the lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
2️⃣ Pour into a prepared graham cracker crust.
3️⃣ Refrigerate until set.

Optional: Some like to flash bake the pie in a very hot oven for about 5 minutes before cooling and chilling—it adds a slight caramelized touch.

This Key Lime Pie is a true taste of the Florida Keys—tangy, sweet, and refreshingly simple. Enjoy! 🍈🥧