Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe

Welcome to the 154th Metamorphosis Monday!

I’m sharing an edible “Before and After” for this Metamorphosis Monday. This past Christmas I decided to shake things up a bit.  I made the traditional Coconut Cake and Ambrosia (recipe for Coconut Cake HERE) but I decided to make a pie, too.

Years ago, I used to make a Lemon Meringue pie using a recipe from an old Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk recipe booklet.  I came across the recipe again recently and decided to give the Key Lime version a try.  (You’ll find a printable version of this recipe at the end of the post.)

Key Lime Pie Recipe

 

The coconut cake took a lot more effort since I made it from scratch, including grating fresh coconut. When all was said and done, there was plenty of cake left and not a single piece of Key Lime pie.   Something tells me I’ve just started a new tradition for our Christmas feast.

Here are some of the ingredients you’ll need to make this super easy pie.  I came across “Nellie & Joes Famous Key West Lime Juice” at Publix and had to try it because of the cute little houses on the label.  Yup, I’m very scientific about how I pick my ingredients.

You’ll need:
1 (9 inch) baked pastry shell, cooled
4 eggs (to be separated)
1 (14 ounce) can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 cup Lime juice (I used Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key West Lime Juice)
Green food coloring (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup sugar

 

Easy, Yummy Key Lime Pie Recipe

 

One word of caution:  When I made this pie last week for Christmas, I used Borden’s Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk and it came out perfect.  When I made the pie again for this post, I used the “store” brand sweetened condensed milk since it was on sale.  The pie came out a bit runny this time.  I’m sticking with Eagle Brand from here out…learned my lesson.

 

For my crust, I used one of these ready-made pie crusts.  The crust came out great.  I crimped the edge of the pie crust to create a pretty fluting around the edge when I made the pie last week.  The edge ended up hidden under the meringue, so this time around I didn’t take time to create the pretty fluting.  Ummm, now that I think about it, I guess I should have left the crimped edge exposed.  Oh well, something to try next time.

 

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Separate all four egg whites and yolks.  Keep one egg white separated from the others.  It will be used in the filling.  The other three egg whites will be used to make the meringue.

How do you separate your egg whites?  I acquired this little egg separator at a Tupperware Party a gazillion years ago.  I can do the little “swapping it from egg shell to egg shell” trick, but this device makes it a bit easier.  Wonder if they sell something like this online?  I’m sure they do since Tupperware was making it so many years ago.  I bet William Sonoma has a high tech version.  Any of you awesome cooks know?

Tip:  Never separate egg whites over each other.  If a yolk breaks, you’ll get yolk in with your other egg whites and will have to start all over.  Not fun…I speak from experience on that.

Easy, Yummy Key Lime Pie Recipe

 

In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks.

 

Next, stir in your Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk, lime juice and a touch of green food coloring.  The food coloring is optional but I think it adds a lot to the appearance of the pie.   I added just a smidgen to give it more of that “lime” coloring.

Easy, Yummy Key Lime Pie Recipe

 

In a small bowl, stiffly beat the egg white you separated out from the other egg whites.  Then fold it into the sweetened condensed milk mixture.

Easy, Yummy Key Lime Pie Recipe

 

Pour the mixture into your previously baked pie shell.

Easy, Yummy Key Lime Pie Recipe

 

Beat the remaining three egg whites with the cream of tartar until they are foamy.  Then, gradually add the sugar, beating the egg whites into a meringue until they are stiff, but not dry.  Spread your meringue over the top of your pie, sealing to the edges of the shell.  I’m thinking now, I probably should have left the edges of the pastry shell exposed.  Ummm, will do that next time.

Bake your pie at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  The meringue will begin to brown so you’ll know it’s getting close to being done.

Let the pie completely cool, then enjoy! I usually place mine in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling time.

Easy, Yummy Key Lime Pie Recipe

 

When the pie was done, I took it out to the porch where the lighting is better so I could grab a quick pic. Can you tell it was a breezy day out on the porch?

Sheers for a Screened Porch

This pie is so easy to make.  It would be a great dessert to serve for a spring or summertime party.  It looks huge in the picture doesn’t it.  Must be the angle…it’s normal size in real life. lol

Key Lime Pie Recipe

The pie was a bit tricky to slice since the meringue was stuck down to my pie pan.  A food photographer, I’m not. HA!  I did discover after squishing a few slices, if you wish to cut pretty slices, smear a tiny bit of butter on your knife before cutting.  As I photographed the pie, I was thinking how great this would be poured into tiny, individual pasty shells for little mini Key Lime pies.  Ummm, may try that next time.

Love trying new recipes?  You’ll find additional recipes BNOTP Favorite Recipes.

Key Lime Pie Recipe, Easy and Fast to Make

 

Below you’ll find a printable recipe. Enjoy!

Yummy Key Lime Pie

This beautiful Key Lime pie is rich in flavor and super fast and easy to make.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 6 -8
Author: Susan (Between Naps on the Porch)

Ingredients

  • 1 9 inch baked pastry shell, cooled
  • 4 eggs to be separated
  • 1 14 ounce can of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1/2 cup Lime juice I used Nellie & Joe's Famous Key West Lime Juice
  • Green food coloring optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/3 cup sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Pie Filling

  • Separate the 4 whites and yolks, keeping one egg white separated from the others
  • Stir in your sweetened condenced milk and lime juice
  • Add a hint of green food coloring if you want a greener lime-ier-looking pie
  • In small bowl, beat the previously saved egg white until stiff
  • Fold it into the sweetened condensed milk mixture
  • Pour mixture into previously baked pie shell

Meringue Topping

  • Beat remaining three egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy
  • Gradually add sugar, beating egg whites into a meringue that's stiff, but not dry
  • Spread meringue over top of pie, sealing the edges of the shell
  • Bake at 350º for approximately 15 minutes or until meringue is lightly brown.
    Enjoy!

Looking forward to all the Before and Afters!

 


Metamorphosis Monday:
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In order to link up, you’ll need to include a link in your MM post back to the party.

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PLEASE DO NOT type in all caps…it spreads the links waaaay out. Thanks!


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Comments

  1. I'm going to have to try this! My hubby's favorite is Lemon Meringue pie and in the 29 years we have been married I have NEVER made it! I guess it's about time? Thanks for hosting, XO Cindy

  2. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    Looks so yummy, Susan! Thanks for hosting Met Monday. Happy 2012!

  3. Hello Susan! Happy New Year! This brings me back! Mom used to make this pie often! Love Lemon Meringue pie! I can just imagine how wonderful it is – yours is beautiful! Thanks for hosting,
    God Bless,
    Kathy

  4. Tammi Evette says

    I love key lime pie! and it looks so pretty sitting on your screened porch with the curtains blowing all around it….yumm!

  5. Tombstone Livestock says

    Glad to see you read your labels and went by "scientific" results for choice in brand of lime juice.

    Looks delicious.

  6. debbie refresh restyle says

    I love Key Lime Pie, thanks for the hint on the Eagle Brand! Happy New Year and Thanks for hosting!
    Debbie

  7. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    Happy New Year Susan. That pie looks delicious. Haven't had key lime in a while. Thanks for hosting.

  8. Sewconsult says

    Oh, you have me wanting some meringue pie right now. I use to make the "real lemon meringue pie" that didn't call for Eagle Brand milk. I love both kinds, but also lime or chocolate. My resolutions were to cook and sew more this year. Things that I love to do. I just need to sleep less to get it all done!
    Beckie in Brentwood, TN

  9. Cottage and Broome says

    Love key lime pie. Once on vacation I had key lime pie every night for 5 days, it was different every time. Laura

  10. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Beckie, I bet Key Lime from scratch is awesome, too.

  11. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    Happy New Year Susan, thanks for hosting! Martina

  12. ♥ Sonny ♥ says

    Susan,
    that is a Beautiful pie . Sounds like a fairly easy recipe and we LOVE key lime pie.

    Happy New Year

  13. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    Happy New Year, Susan! Your key lime pie looks delicious! Wish I had a piece right now. Thanks for hosting!

  14. Okio B Designs says

    Yum! Wish I had a slice of that right about now! Happy new year!!!!

    Jeanine

  15. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Your pie looks yummy, Susan! So nice we had some good weather for your porch photos! By tomorrow, your pie would freeze put there! lol Happy New Year!…hugs…Debbie

  16. That pie is the best! Happy New Year! Thanks for hosting.
    Sherry

  17. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    Gee thanks, Susan. Why didn't you post this recipe BEFORE Jan. 1 and "being good" started again? This looks wonderful, but I feel like I should say, "Get thee behind me, satan!" LOL I'll definitely keep this in mind for a springtime party. Happy New Year, friend!

  18. Savvy Seasons says

    Happy New Year, Susan! Your pie looks absolutely DELISH!! Thanks for hosting! xo ~Liz

  19. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    lol Sorry about that, Susan. I know…I'm trying to work on that, too.

  20. I'm seriously craving a piece of that pie at the moment, Susan. Any pie covered in meringue is in the favorites category for me. This one looks delicious!
    Happy New Year! ~ Sarah

  21. Susan, Yummy, Key Lime is my favorite! It looks terrific!

  22. Kerry Rossow says

    Key lime makes my heart pitter-pat!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Happy New Year!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

  23. Karen Angell of Homemade Glamour says

    That pie looks amazing!

  24. Debbie@Debbie-Dabble and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas says

    Thanks so much for hosting such a great party year round!

    Wishing you and your a very Happy and Healthy New Year!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

  25. Coral and Coast says

    Thanks for hosting! I love linking up here, such a great party 🙂 Your pie looks amazing, yum!! xo Kirsty

  26. Your pie looks delicious — key lime is one of my favorites. My mother used to make the coconut cake and ambrosia every Christmas, grating the coconut by hand. I have done it, but boy, is it a lot of work! Hat's off to you.

    Thanks for hosting.

  27. Your pie looks fabulous! I'm a novice and made my first key lime pie this past summer–tasted great, but my topping was too soupy. I look forward to trying your recipe next time and hope to achieve that perfect meringue topping. Thanks for sharing!

  28. Yummy, yes I will be trying this pie. Thanks for all ways pass on great ideas and receipes.

  29. Pat's Pink Apron says

    Your pie looks very good! I've always liked Key Lime Pie. Your meringue looks very nice too. Pat

  30. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    Susan, I also made a coconut cake for Christmas and I agree it was a lot of work! The pie looks delicious. Thanks for hosting.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

  31. Hi Susan,
    wish you a very happy new year with lots of fun, health, luck and inspirations.
    Thank you for the great key lime pie recipe. Since my sun was in Florida we try to make this kind of pie, but was never successful. Your recipe sounds really good. May be the lack of Creme of tatar made the difference. So as usual, I learned on your blog something new.
    Best greetings, Johanna

  32. It's been a great year for "BNOTP" and I've so enjoyed following you. I'll need to make this recipe.. looks wonderful!
    Thanks for including me in your Met Monday Parties.
    Happy New Year
    Sandy

  33. Happier Than a Pig in Mud says

    Meringue is on my baking list this year! Your pie turned out beautiful Susan-enjoy:@)

  34. Miss Kitty says

    Hi Susan! Thanks for hosting your party. The pie looks delicious and I like that you said it was good just using bottled juice. I love the picture of the curtains blowing around the pie on the table.

  35. Looks great!

    Happy New Year!
    Mary

  36. Lissa (Bellenza) says

    Your pie looks sooo tempting! And by the way, I'd LOVE to have a breezy porch like yours, too. 🙂

  37. Rebekah Greiman says

    Thanks for hosting another party! And Happy New Year!
    I linked up my Sweet & Salty Gifts that are very simple and are great for Xmas presents, New Year's snacks, or basically whenever. And I also linked up the top favorite posts from 2011-according to my readers. Thanks!
    Hope you enjoy!
    Rebekah (www.potholesandpantyhose.com)

  38. Pam~ Virginia Retro says

    I lived in South Florida where it was practically mandatory to make a great Key Lime pie for dessert.
    Too bad I didn't have this recipe then! Beautiful & yummy!

  39. sabrymagic says

    Buonissimaaaaaaa!!
    Buon lunedì
    Baci
    Sabry!!

  40. Oh, I love Key Lime Pie, but in my country (The Netherlands) it is nowhere to be found, so thank you very much for this recipe!

  41. This was my aunt's favorite pie! Everytime I see a recipe it always reminds me of her! Maybe this is a sign I actually need to make one, lol! I'm going to copy this recipe and get backing, thanks!

    Happy New Year!

    Megan

    http://1funkywoman.blogspot.com

  42. Oh, I love Key Lime Pie, but in my country (The Netherlands) it is nowhere to be found, so thank you very much for this recipe!

  43. Carrie @ My Favorite Finds says

    Your pie look great! I have to say, I've never made a pie. But, you make it look so easy and the results look yummy!

  44. Thanks for hostessing the party, I loved the little glimpse of the porch, and the pie looks wonderful. I'm going to try this, my previous attempts at key lime pie were not successful, but this looks like a winner tutorial ~ Mary

  45. özge bayrak says

    omg!looks delicious!

  46. How long and at what temp does this pie bake? Since it has egg yolks in it I'm thinking it has to bake for awhile. Looks wonderful!

  47. h. m. settoon says

    my goodness, that looks delicious.

  48. FABBY'S LIVING says

    Hope you had a wonderful Holiday with your dear son and his lovely girl friend. May the New Year bring all you desire and more, along with your family. Thank you so much for hosting the past year and for having me so many times at Met. Monday and TT. This pie recipe looks yummy, I just love pies!
    Hugs,
    FABBY

  49. Perfect looking pie! And am sure it was delicious – since none was left!

    My poor Mother always made a fresh Coconut Cake for Christmas – a tradition and must in her mind! She never understood why I did not continue the tradition: 1) it was too much work and I did not really like it, 2)as I had children they did not like coconut, and finally, 3) the third child was allergic to coconut! At last, an acceptable excuse for not making the traditional Christmas cake!

    Happy New Year Susan and thanks for your wonderful blog!

    MaryEllen

  50. VarietGrrl says

    Hi – I really like your site! Got the link from In My Own Style blog – so glad I found you! The Key Lime pie sounds delicious – will definitely try it! Thank you for sharing!! Happy New Year and all the best to you in 2012!

  51. Looks like we were both thinking "coconut!" 😉

    Thanks for hosting…Wishing you a happy 2012! All the best!

  52. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Anonymous, I totally forgot to include that info. Thank you for asking. You cook it at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. I just added it to the post. Thanks again for asking!

  53. wow!

  54. Happy New Year! I love anything lemon or lime and this pie looks delicious. One of my goals for this year is to try new things as I get the hang of blogging, and your Met Monday looks like something I might like to try!

  55. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    Betsy, hope you join in…so much fun!

  56. Thanks for hosting. This is my old but ever getting changed/built on to, bits removed, stuff added in shed. That pie makes a person hungry. Good pictures.

  57. Rasonda @ Lake Cottage Dreams says

    Looks AMAZING!! Cant wait to try it. Thanks for hosting these awesome parties. I have been seeing sooo much cute stuff and finding some great blogs.

  58. That looks SO yummy! I'll have to take before and after pictures of my next project so I can play in one of your linky parties.

  59. sharonavinger says

    I'll have to try this. My son-in-law's favorite pie!

  60. ❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ says

    I have eaten Key Lime Pie but have never made it…looks yummy. My mother used the premade pie crusts. I didn't know they still existed as I make mine from scratch. Seeing these brought back memories. 🙂
    Learned something new…I didn't know about the butter on the knife trick. I'll have to remember that one. Thanks!

  61. Your pie looks delicious! I'm going to try it after we recover from all the Christmas dessert eating. I noticed your hand mixer in the photo. I had one similar to that years ago, which I liked just fine…until I used my mother's kitchen aid hand mixer! I fell in love with it and finally got one. It makes the best mashed potatoes (and other things too). I'm not sure how it could be so much better but it is. It's even better than the kitchen aid stand mixer for some things. I just have to tell cooks about it whenever I can!

  62. Just the words, "Eagle Brand" make me drool. I'm going to make that pie soon. I've had a stainless steel egg separator for decades so someone else does make them. No brand name is on the product but the handle is similar to the OXO brand.

  63. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    I love key lime pie. Will definitely try your recipe. Eagle Brand is the only way to go. Hope you're having a grand day. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

  64. Oh how I miss shopping in US grocery stores when I see a post like this. I haven’t had “real” key lime juice since I left the states. I used to buy this juice all the time when I lived in Florida. I love key lime pie and it’s SO easy to make. There’s no Thanksgiving Dinner complete without it. (along with apple and pecan) 🙂

  65. 5 stars
    You had my mouth watering as I read your tutorial & looked at the photos. The pie photo on the sun porch was perfect with the billowing curtains. Once again I love the helpful hints of your trial & errors. That helps others so much, saves us time & mistakes. My family loves Key Lime Pie & this gives me inspiration to make one. I have made lemon meringue from scratch. My late elderly neighbor was renowned for her lemon meringue pie. A typical southern ‘little old church lady’ her pie was eagerly anticipated at church socials & funerals. I asked for her recipe once & she said it was on the Argo corn starch box so if you want to try one from scratch look there. Your Key Lime looks good & sounds easy to make. I will try it……Also, if you don’t have an egg separator you can use your hands. I’ve seen chefs on TV do it & it’s easier than the back & forth between halves. Just crack the egg & kind of dump it in your hands over your fingers…be sure to have your hand over a bowl. Then place the yolk in another bowl. The white falls through & you hold the yolk in your fingers until it’s clean of the white. Very fast & easy & I never had a yolk break that way….Of course some people may not want to hold an egg but handling food doesn’t bother me. I mix my meatloaf with my hands.

    • Thanks, Laura! Love the story about your neighbor…how cute that she got it right off the box. Next time I’m in the store, I’m going to look to see if it’s still on there. Thanks for the tip about using your hands. My father-in-law used to say, “Hands were invented before forks.” lol I mix up meat loaf with my hands, too. Sometimes we don’t need all those fancy tools, do we? 🙂

  66. I may have said this before, but please please please buy key limes when they are in season and freeze the juice. A little handheld hinge-type juicer is the best for those little boogers. They are a pain to juice, and you have to juice a lot of them, but trust this Floridian when I say there is NO comparison to bottled Key Lime juice, even though you are using the bes,t bottled version out there. Please.

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