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Easy 3 Ingredient Key Lime Pie

If you’re a fan of key lime pie but don’t have the time or energy to make a traditional one, you’re in luck. This 3 ingredient key lime pie recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up a tasty dessert in no time.

creamy-key-lime-pie-in-white-pie-plate

To make this pie, all you need is sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, sour cream, and a pre-made graham cracker crust.

Simply mix the condensed milk, sour cream, and lime juice together, pour it into the crust, and bake for a few minutes.

That’s it! You’ll have a tangy and sweet key lime pie that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with a homemade dessert but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. 

It’s also a great option for those who are new to baking and want to start with something simple. 

So why not give this 3 ingredient key lime pie recipe a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious it can be?

If you are looking for some other terrific dessert recipes, be sure to check out my Lemon Curd pieStrawberry Crumble cake, and my chocolatey Skillet Chocolate Chip cookie.

Key lime pie in a creamy pie plate with graham cracker crust

What is Key Lime Pie

You may have heard of key lime pie before, but what exactly is it? Key lime pie is a classic dessert that originated in the Florida Keys. 

It is a sweet and tangy pie that is made with a graham cracker crust, a key lime filling, and whipped cream on top.

The traditional key lime pie recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients: key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. However, over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, including the popular 3 ingredient key lime pie recipe.

Key lime pie gets its unique flavor from the key limes that are used in the filling. Key limes are smaller and more acidic than regular limes, and they have a distinct flavor that is hard to replicate. For this recipe, we use the humble green lime that everyone should have access to.

The history of key lime pie is somewhat disputed, but it is believed to have been created in the late 1800s or early 1900s by early settlers in the Florida Keys. The pie became popular among fishermen and sailors, who appreciated its long shelf life and refreshing flavor.

Today, key lime pie is a beloved dessert that can be found on menus all across the country. It is also a popular flavor for other desserts, such as key lime pie bars and key lime flavored ice cream.

creamy-key-lime-pie-in-white-pie-plate

Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie

  • Ease– If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to impress your guests, this 3 ingredient key lime pie is a crowd pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite. With its tangy and refreshing flavor, this easy key lime pie recipe is sure to receive rave reviews from anyone who tries it.
  • Taste– Not only is this the best key lime pie recipe you’ll ever taste, it’s also incredibly easy to make. With only three ingredients, you can whip up this delicious key lime pie in no time. It’s the perfect summer dessert that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Simplicity– The simplicity of this recipe does not compromise the taste. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and graham cracker crust creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that will leave you wanting more.

So whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply enjoy a delicious dessert, this 3 ingredient key lime pie is the perfect choice. Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s become a family favorite and a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients for Key lime pie in a creamy pie plate with graham cracker crust

Ingredients for Key Lime Pie

Making a delicious key lime pie is easier than you think, and you only need a few simple ingredients to get started. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Graham cracker crumbs: These will form the base of your buttery graham cracker crust. You can find them at most grocery stores.
  • Butter: You’ll need melted butter to mix with your graham cracker crumbs and form the crust. Make sure it’s at room temperature.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: This is the key ingredient that gives your tart filling its sweet, creamy texture.
  • Key lime juice: You can use regular limes if you can’t find key limes, but the latter will give your pie a more authentic flavor.
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt: You’ll need a dollop of one of these to add a tangy flavor to your filling.
  • Heavy cream: This will be used to make whipped cream for topping your pie.
  • Lime slices: These will make a great garnish for your finished pie.

To prepare your crust, you’ll need to mix your graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a mixing bowl. You can also use a food processor for this step. Press the mixture into a pie dish and bake until it’s golden brown.

For your filling, combine your sweetened condensed milk, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Mix until everything is well combined and pour the mixture into your cooled crust. Chill your pie in the refrigerator for a few hours until it’s set.

When you’re ready to serve, whip up some heavy cream and add it to the top of your pie. Garnish with lime slices and you’re ready to enjoy your delicious 3 ingredient key lime pie!

Make This Pie in 3 Easy Steps

Making a delicious key lime pie doesn’t have to be complicated. 

With this easy 3-ingredient recipe, you’ll be able to bake a successful pie, even if it’s your first time!

Here’s how to make this great recipe in just three easy steps:

  1. Mix the Ingredients– The first step is to mix the three ingredients together in a bowl. You’ll need 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk, 3/4 cup of key lime juice, and 1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt or sour cream. Mix them together until they are well combined.
  2. Pour the Mixture into the Crust- Next, pour the mixture into a pre-made or homemade graham cracker crust. You can find these in the baking aisle of your grocery store. Spread the mixture evenly in the crust.
  3. Bake and Chill– Bake the pie in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F. Once it’s done baking, chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. I even stick it in the freezer if I’m making it ahead of time.

That’s it! This easy recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to bake a delicious key lime pie without a lot of fuss.

Key lime pie in a creamy pie plate with graham cracker crust

Can You Make This Pie Filling Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the key lime pie filling ahead of time. In fact, it is recommended to make it at least a few hours before serving or even the day before. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more delicious pie.

If you are using a store-bought crust, you can make the filling and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the pie. It is best to cover the filling with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on top.

When storing the filling, make sure to use a container with a tight-fitting lid or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will prevent the filling from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.

If you are making your own crust, you can also make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the pie. Just make sure to wrap the crust in plastic wrap separately from the filling.

Overall, making the key lime pie filling ahead of time is a great way to save time and ensure that your pie tastes its best. So, go ahead and make the filling ahead of time and enjoy a delicious and refreshing key lime pie whenever you want.

Key lime pie in a creamy pie plate with graham cracker crust

How to Store Leftover Key Lime Pie

Once you have made your delicious three-ingredient key lime pie, you may have some leftovers that you want to store for later. Here are some tips on how to properly store your leftover pie:

  • Room Temperature: If you plan on consuming your leftover key lime pie within a day, you can store it at room temperature. Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it on a wire rack to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
  • Refrigerator: If you want to store your leftover pie for a longer period of time, you should store it in the refrigerator. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge. This will keep the pie fresh for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: If you want to store your leftover pie for an even longer period of time, you can freeze it. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Key lime pie in a creamy pie plate with graham cracker crust

Can You Make Your Own Graham Cracker Crust?

If you’re looking to make a 3-ingredient key lime pie, you may be wondering if it’s possible to make your own graham cracker crust. 

The answer is yes! Making your own homemade graham cracker crust is easy and can add a personal touch to your dessert.

To make a homemade graham cracker crust, you will need graham crackers, butter, and sugar. 

You can use a food processor to finely crush the graham crackers or place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. 

Mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar until well combined. 

Press the mixture into a pie dish and bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F. Let it cool before adding your filling.

If you don’t have the time or ingredients to make a homemade graham cracker crust, you can always opt for a store-bought pre-made crust. 

These can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores and come in a variety of sizes and flavors, including buttery graham cracker crust.

Whether you choose to make it from scratch or opt for a pre-made crust, your dessert is sure to be delicious and satisfying.

Key lime pie in a creamy pie plate with graham cracker crust

Add-Ins for Key Lime Pie

If you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your 3-ingredient key lime pie, here are some add-ins that you can try:

  • Cool Whip: This whipped topping is a classic addition to key lime pie. It adds a creamy and sweet element that complements the tartness of the lime.
  • Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese to the filling can give the pie a richer and creamier texture. It also helps balance out the tartness of the lime.
  • Sour Cream: Similar to cream cheese, sour cream can add a tangy and creamy element to the pie. It’s a great option if you want to cut through the sweetness of the filling.
  • Lime Slices and Wedges: Adding fresh lime slices or wedges on top of the pie can add a pop of color and freshness. It also gives a nice visual presentation.
  • Fresh Key Limes: If you want to take your key lime pie to the next level, try using fresh key limes instead of bottled lime juice. The flavor is more intense and authentic.
  • Fresh Lime Zest: Adding some fresh lime zest to the filling or on top of the pie can give it an extra burst of citrus flavor.
  • Whipped Cream: If you want to go all out, add some fresh whipped cream on top of the pie. It adds a light and airy element that complements the dense filling.
  • Extra Yum Factor: Want to get creative? Try adding some crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the pie for some extra texture and flavor.

There are many add-ins you can try to customize your key lime pie to your liking. Experiment with different combinations and find your favorite!

SUMMER desserts

Be inspired in your kitchen this summer with this tried-and-true, classic summer dessert cookbook.

It’s free and sent straight to your inbox!

strawberry crumb cake with whipped cream on top.

Key Lime Pie Recipe

Key lime pie in a creamy pie plate with graham cracker crust

3 Ingredient Key Lime Pie

Liz Quick
This easy, delicious, tangy key lime pie has a sweet crust and creamy filling.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 9 inch pie
Calories 97 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch pie plate
  • 1 food processor if making your own crust

Ingredients
  

  • 2 14 ounce cans Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • ¾ cup lime juice
  • ½ cup plain greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 9 inch graham cracker crust

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Combine condensed milk, lime juice, and yogurt in a bowl and whisk well.
  • Pour into a prepared graham cracker crust.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until tiny bubbles form on the surface of the pie.
  • Let the pie cool completely on the counter.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or keep in the freezer.

Notes

  • Cool Whip: This whipped topping is a classic addition to key lime pie. It adds a creamy and sweet element that complements the tartness of the lime.
  • Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese to the filling can give the pie a richer and creamier texture. It also helps balance out the tartness of the lime.
  • Sour Cream: Similar to cream cheese, sour cream can add a tangy and creamy element to the pie. It’s a great option if you want to cut through the sweetness of the filling.
  • Lime Slices and Wedges: Adding fresh lime slices or wedges on top of the pie can add a pop of color and freshness. It also gives a nice visual presentation.
  • Fresh Key Limes: If you want to take your key lime pie to the next level, try using fresh key limes instead of bottled lime juice. The flavor is more intense and authentic.
Keyword easy dessert, key lime pie

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