3 Ingredient Key Lime Pie
I am all about easy recipes using simple ingredients. This super Easy Key Lime Pie with only 3 ingredients and a super creamy filling is easy and delicious, and a new family favorite!
I first made this recipe in the dead of winter when citrus was plentiful and I dreamed about a tropical vacation. The sunny Florida Keys and a slice of tart and refreshing pie sounded super appealing and refreshing.
Now a classic Key Lime Pie typically makes a custard using egg yolks and heavy cream, but I have make both versions and I find this super simple one just as good if not better! It is truly a delicious key lime pie and I love adding it to my holiday pie spread for a tart and refreshing dessert. This gets rave reviews every year and is just SO easy it’s hard to mess up- even for a novice baker.
3 Ingredient Key Lime Pie- what’s in the pie filling:
- Key Limes
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Sour Cream
Now you do need a crust, and for that I simply used graham cracker crumbs and salted butter. You could also buy a pre-made graham cracker crust if that’s your preference! I like to top my pie with whipped cream made with heavy whipping cream but that’s optional!
Supplies needed for this Easy Key Lime Pie Recipe:
- Pie Pan
- Medium sized bowl for crust
- Large mixing bowl for filling
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap for storing
The Process:
If making a homemade graham cracker crust, combine the graham crackers and the melted butter in a medium sized bowl and stir together. Press the crumb mixture into a pie dish and bake for a few minute. Let the crust cool while you mix together the filling ingredients. Pour the filling into the crust and bake. Let pie come to room temperature on a wire rack and then chill until ready to serve. If desired spread whipped cream on the top of the pie and garnish with lime slices or zest if desired.
I can’t find fresh key limes anywhere- can I use regular limes?
Yes! Key Limes have a distinct flavor that I love when I can find them at the grocery store, but regular limes work in a pinch. (If you have the option, choose the smaller limes also known as Persian limes.) Also feel free to get bottled key lime juice- that will work well! ( Nellie & Joe’s brand bottled juice has been recommended in the comments!)
I don’t have sour cream what can I use instead?
4 oz of softened cream cheese or greek yogurt will work as well
Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?
Yep! Just skip the step of pre-baking the crust and pour the filling right into your store-bought crust and then bake!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Usually I shy away from suggesting gluten free subs since I’m not an expert, but I hear gluten-free graham crackers are great and subbing them in the crust would be an easy adaptation.
The secret ingredient that takes this pie from good to to die for is actually in the crust. Some recipes call for sugar to be added to crushed graham crackers for the crust, but I wasn’t feeling that. Instead, I simply combined salted butter and graham crackers, (already sweet anyway,) and a pinch more of sea salt. The slightly salty crust combined with the sweet and tart filling is just a match made in heaven.
I hope you enjoy this simple recipe that truly makes the best key lime pie! I love it straight from the fridge on a hot summer day, as part of my holiday pie spread, or in winter when I dream of tropical treats. It’s really an excellent recipe- just the best!
Want more Key Lime flavor? Check out my Key Lime Pie Layer Cake.
Can you freeze Key Lime Pie? YES- check out my full overview of that process HERE.
Other Favorite Citrus Recipes:
3 Ingredient Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
Crust:
- 11 whole graham crackers, crushed into crumbs
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- pinch of sea salt (optional)
Filling:
- 2 14 oz. cans sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup key lime juice*
- Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Lime Zest to top (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- In a medium sied bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and the pinch of salt if used. Mix together with a spoon and press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch pie plate.
- Bake crust for 5-7 minutes or until toasty on the edges.
- For the filling:
- Mix together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, and lime juice. Pour into finished pie crust and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until little bubbles form on the surface of the pie and start to pop. (Don't let the pie get brown!)
- Allow the pie to chill for a few hours/overnight.
To serve:
- Beat heavy cream to stiff peaks and stir in the powdered sugar. Spoon over pie and top with lime zest.
Notes
*If you can't find fresh key limes, bottled key lime juice works great. I have also used fresh lime juice in a pinch.
Recipe adapted from All Recipes
This looks so delicious and creamy!
I had a traumatic experience trying to juice fresh key limes once, hence why I’ve never tried to make a key lime pie (and haven’t even eaten one in YEARS). Which is too bad, because I LOVE key lime flavor. Thanks for the blessing to use bottled juice…now I can make one of these.
Could you please give the equivalent of the graham crackers in crumbs, as that’s the way I buy them. Thanks
Yum
Thanks for sharing your beautiful recipe we used c chocolate oreo cookie crust for a different taste and it was delicious!!!
Very tasty and easy to prepare, this lemon pie is a great option for anyone looking for a simple and refreshing sweet treat.
I used bottled lime juice since I couldn’t reach the key lime juice (too short). I also bought a walnut premade crust. There was also pecan and pretzel crusts. I may try the pretzel next time. Good recipe.