Key Lime Pie

Story behind the dish

There’s something irresistibly zesty and sweet about a classic Key Lime Pie—it's a dessert that captures the spirit of sunshine and warm breezes, perfectly suited for relaxing afternoons or lively gatherings. This bright, tangy treat invites you into a world of creamy citrus bliss, with each bite offering a little burst of sunshine. Whether you're reminiscing about a summer vacation or simply craving a delightful dessert, this pie promises to captivate everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 10 oz (283 g) Digestive Biscuits
• 5 oz (142 g) Butter
• 14 oz (396 g) Condensed Milk
• 3 Egg Yolks
• 4 Limes
• 10 fl oz (295 ml) Double Cream
• 1 tbsp Icing Sugar
• Extra Lime (for decoration)

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C) with the fan on, or 280°F (140°C), gas mark 3.
2. Place the digestive biscuits in a food processor and blitz until they’re fine crumbs. Alternatively, put the biscuits in a sturdy plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Melt the butter and mix it thoroughly with the biscuit crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the base and up the sides of a 8.7-inch (22 cm) loose-bottomed tart tin.
4. Bake the tart shell in the oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool completely.
5. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with electric beaters for about 1 minute until slightly thickened.
6. Add the condensed milk to the yolks and whisk for an additional 3 minutes until smooth and combined.
7. Zest and juice the limes, then add both to the mixture. Whisk everything together for another 3 minutes.
8. Pour the filling into the cooled tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake again for 15 minutes. Remove and allow the pie to cool before transferring to the refrigerator.
10. Chill the pie for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld.
11. When ready to serve, carefully lift the pie from the tin onto a serving plate.
12. For the topping, whip the double cream and icing sugar together until soft peaks form.
13. Dollop or pipe the whipped cream onto the top of the cooled pie, then garnish with fresh lime zest for a burst of color and flavor.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For an extra touch of elegance, pipe the whipped cream in decorative swirls or rosettes.
• Serve slices with a thin wheel of lime or a sprig of mint for added freshness.

Closing thoughts

There’s a reason this Key Lime Pie remains a beloved classic—its invigorating tang, paired with sweet, buttery crust, creates a harmony of flavors that’s impossible to resist. Making this pie at home offers the rewarding blend of sweet, tart, and creamy textures, perfect for sharing smiles around the table. Enjoy each delightful slice as a little taste of sunshine!