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Creamy Key West Key Lime Pie Recipe with Fluffy Toasted Meringue

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A bright, tangy, and creamy Key Lime Pie topped with fluffy toasted meringue, perfect for summer parties and nostalgic comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) fresh Key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest (optional)
  • 4 large egg whites, room temperature
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated. Press mixture firmly into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks until slightly thickened. Add sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth. Stir in fresh Key lime juice and lime zest. Pour filling into cooled crust and smooth top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until center jiggles slightly but edges look set. Remove and cool to room temperature.
  3. Combine egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean, dry bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, increasing speed to high, until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract.
  4. Spread or pipe meringue over pie filling, sealing edges. Place pie on baking sheet and toast meringue under broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and caramelized, watching closely. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch. Cool completely before slicing.
  5. Refrigerate pie for at least 2 hours before serving. Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.

Notes

Use almond flour for gluten-free crust. For vegan meringue, try aquafaba (not tested). Whipped cream can substitute meringue but lacks toasted texture. Keep mixing bowls grease-free for best meringue results. Toast meringue carefully to avoid burning. Chill pie well before serving for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Key lime pie, toasted meringue, creamy pie, summer dessert, citrus pie, Key West, easy pie recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-key-west-key-lime-pie-recipe-with-fluffy-toasted-meringue-easy-steps/