The filling sets through a chemical reaction, not baking; the acid in the lime juice thickens the condensed milk into custard, and a short bake just firms it. Use fresh-squeezed juice and real zest, because bottled key lime juice tastes flat and metallic.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook18 min
Makesone 9-inch pie, 8 slices
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for9slices
Graham crackers
Crushed fine for the crust; the base of the whole pie.
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
Make the crustMix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, press into a 9-inch pie plate, and bake at 350F for 8 minutes to set it.
Whisk the fillingWhisk the yolks and lime zest for 2 minutes until lightened, then whisk in the condensed milk and lime juice until smooth and thickened.
BakePour into the warm crust and bake at 350F for 15-18 minutes until the center is just set with a slight jiggle.
ChillCool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 3 hours until fully firm before slicing.
ServeTop with whipped cream and extra zest, then finish each slice with mint and a lime wheel just before serving.
Can you make Key Lime Pie in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze Key Lime Pie? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make Key Lime Pie ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is Key Lime Pie gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is Key Lime Pie vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
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