This recipe takes the zesty flavors of key lime pie and transforms them into a delightful slab pie, perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s ideal for summer potlucks, backyard barbecues, or anytime you crave a refreshingly tart treat. The creamy lime filling sits on a buttery graham cracker crust, offering a delightful textural contrast in every bite.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
- 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Whipped Topping (optional):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lime zest, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until the consistency resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure a compact crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The center will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Chill and Enjoy: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature for about an hour. Then, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
- Whipped Topping (optional): In a chilled bowl, whip heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie before serving. Garnish with additional lime zest for a pop of color and flavor (optional).