Key lime pie

Key Lime Pie

A whole key lime pie with a slice cut out

Key lime pie is a classic American dessert made with key limes, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk. It is typically served with a pie crust made from graham crackers or pastry.

History

The origins of key lime pie are somewhat unclear, but it is widely believed to have originated in the Florida Keys in the late 19th century. The pie is named after the small, tart key limes that are native to the region. These limes are smaller and more aromatic than the more common Persian limes.

Ingredients

The traditional ingredients for key lime pie include:

• Key limes
• Egg yolks
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Graham cracker crust or pastry crust

Some variations may include meringue or whipped cream as a topping.

Preparation

A slice of key lime pie

To prepare key lime pie, the key lime juice is mixed with egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. This mixture is poured into a pre-baked crust and then baked until set. The acidity of the lime juice causes the proteins in the egg yolks to coagulate, thickening the filling without the need for additional heat.

Variations

While the classic key lime pie is made with a graham cracker crust, some variations use a pastry crust. Additionally, some recipes call for a meringue topping, while others prefer a dollop of whipped cream.

Key Limes

Key limes (Citrus × aurantiifolia)

Key limes, also known as Mexican limes or West Indian limes, are smaller and more aromatic than the more common Persian limes. They have a distinctive tart flavor that is essential to the unique taste of key lime pie.

Related Pages

• Florida Keys
• American cuisine
• Pie
• Lime (fruit)