Key Lime Pie Dessert

Classic Key Lime pie, a favorite among Key West Florida locals, is truly an all American favorite dessert for this weekend’s picnic and summer family gatherings. Developed by early Bahamian settlers, Key Lime pie has been around for more than 100 years.  Key West locals, or “conchs,” as they like to be called, insist on the original recipe’s calling for small round “key” limes (versus lime juice or the large Persian limes found in most grocery stores). In 2006 the Key Lime Pie was deemed Florida’s “official” pie. Save room in your picnic basket for this sweet treat!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick butter) melted
2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
1 cup key lime or regular lime juice
2 whole large eggs
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lime zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter with your hands. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, and bake until brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature before filling.
3. Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the condensed milk, lime juice, and eggs. Whisk until well blended and place the filling in the cooled pie shell. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
5. Once chilled, combine the sour cream and powdered sugar and spread over the top of the pie using a spatula. Sprinkle the lime zest as a garnish on top of the sour cream and serve chilled.   Enjoy!