This one goes out to all the Mothers out there. Sure, we’re a few days early, but I know enough good women to know that moms deserve more than a day of celebration. So whether you love your mother, are a mother, or even find yourself looking out for a small flock of friends, coworkers, or neightbors, this creamy key lime pie is for you. Really, Mother’s Day is about celebrating the people who are nurturing us in rich, meaningful ways, so be sure to love on those people a little extra this week.
A couple of weeks ago, Brett and I celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary. Hitting that kind of landmark makes me feel as though I’ve arrived in some ways. The newlywed phase is officially over, and with that comes a level of comfort I probably wouldn’t have acted on early in our marriage. Example? I bought my own Mother’s Day gift this year. No, this isn’t the kind of thing of thing I do often, but I saw the rug, I knew it was perfect, and I figured my husband would appreciate the thrown bone of a pre-purchased gift. Hopefully you don’t all think I’m crazy now.
A Treat Yourself Mother’s Day Gift Guide
After I bought the rug, I figured some of you may be in similar boats- looking to treat yourself or someone you love to a little happy in honor of Mother’s Day. So today, in addition to a seriously delightful and fresh creamy key lime pie, I have a mini gift guide. A treat yourself Mother’s Day gift guide, if you will. Take a peek below!
1. Printed Linen Napkins Soft cloth napkins in beautiful J.Crew prints? Yes, pls.
2. Brass Frames Frame those special memories in these timeless frames.
3. Her Daily Bread I might be biased, but this devotion/cookbook is a winning gift.
4. Cloud X Shoes My favorite shoes, in a brand new beautiful hue!
5. Floral Tablecloth These block print cloths have a one-of-a-kind feel!
6. Mineral Powder Sunscreen Powder (and protect!) your skin with this lightweight mineral screen!
7. Aesop Handwash This soap gently exfoliates and smells great too.
8. Stoneware Casserole Dish I love having pretty versions of very practical things. This casserole dish is just the thing.
9. Short Sleeve Cardigan Hot? Cold? Somewhere in-between? This sweater works for it all.
10. Lululemon Hi-Rise Shorts Proof that exercise clothes can be cute too.
11. Clare V. Charm Bracelet Pick charms to attach to these gold plated bracelets for a personalized gift.
12. Leather Crossbody This buttery-soft leather purse comes at the best price point.
13. Morris & Co. Art Print Timeless yet affordable? I love prints like this for an office or powder room.
Creamy Key Lime Pie
Coincidentally, I got to share a slice of this creamy key lime pie with my own mom a few weeks ago. There were a few lone slices in my fridge a few days after I photographed the recipe, and mom was in the right place a the right time. We ate up the last pieces together, and it was lovely. This pie is all of the things: a buttery, slightly salty and crisp crust with a creamy and tart key lime filling, all topped with a cloud of whipped cream. It’s refreshing, balanced, and perfect for the warmer weather we’re seeing this season.
How to Make Key Lime Pie
Traditional key lime pie features more of a custardy filling made with whipped egg yolks and sugar. While I love traditional key lime pie (and have even bruleed ones here!), I wanted something that wasn’t so tart. I took a note from my lemon icebox pie and opted to make a no-bake filling with cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. The end result is a fluffy cream pie with the bright, nostalgic flavor you know and love.
To make this creamy key lime pie, we start with the crust. Graham crackers, butter, brown sugar, and salt come together and press into a pie dish. Although we don’t HAVE to bake this kind of crust, I opted for a short stint in the oven so that the crust would have some texture to it. Allow the crust to cool before making the filling.
For the filling, cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk stir together in a bowl. Add the zest of a few key limes and the juice of even more to the mix along with sour cream. Stir and spoon the mixture into the prepared crust. Allow the filling to set up before topping it with dollops of whipped cream.
Can I Use Regular Lime Juice Instead of Key Limes?
In short, absolutely. I am rarely able to get my hands on key limes in my grocery story, so I know it’s tricky. Try regular limes if your budget or grocery store selection prevents your from key limes. While there is a small flavor difference, I don’t think it’s much to notice. I do, however, recommend using FRESH lime juice. Avoid the bottled juice at all cost.
What About a No-Bake Crust for This Key Lime Pie?
You want an even easier pie? I don’t blame you! You can use the recipe below and omit baking if desired. Alternatively, you can try out this no-bake crust too.
More Lime Recipe Ideas?
Coconut Key Lime Cake
Cherry Lime Hand Pies
Bruleed Key Lime Pies
Vegan Coconut Lime Ice Cream Pie
Creamy Key Lime Pie
This creamy key lime pie is a simple, make-ahead dessert with a fluffy filling, salted graham cracker crust, and a whipped cream topping!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 Servings
- Category: Pie
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 11 full graham crackers)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
For the pie:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons key lime zest
- ½ cup key lime juice
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
To make the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Pulse graham crackers in a food processor to crumbs. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse to combine. Press the mixture into the bottom of a deep-dish pie pan using your fingers. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is set. Set aside to cool slightly.
To make the pie filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk using a hand mixer set at medium speed, beating until smooth. Add in the zest, juice, and sour cream, stirring on low to combine. Spoon the filling into the prepared cooled crust. Cover the pan with a sheet of plastic wrap and place in the fridge to firm up, about 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the heavy whipping cream on medium speed until frothy and slightly thickened. Add the sugar and continue whisking until thickened to a fluffy cloudlike consistency. Spoon on top of the pie and serve.
