Whilst looking for something a bit different to serve as a dessert I came across Key Lime Pie. Of course I have heard of it like most but as I had never made it before I was keen to have a go.
Another dessert similar to this is Zingy Lemon Cheesecake. Key Lime Pie is indeed very similar to cheesecake.
Key Lime Pie is an American dessert and originates from Key West in Florida. It gets its name from the key limes grown in that area. In fact it is the official pie of the State.
There are many different versions of Key Lime Pie recipe available. Some with meringue, some using Graham Crackers, but it would seem the original pie was first made in the late 1800s and that originally it contained condensed milk.
The pie was created to use condensed milk as there was no ice or refrigeration at the time. William Curry, who was Florida’s first self-made millionaire, had a cook named ‘Aunt Sally’. Aunt Sally is the most credited for the early Key Lime Pie recipe.
A true Key Lime Pie would use key limes as they are more tart and acidic than the average lime.
If you are wanting more zing and are just using average lime, then a dash of lemon juice is also suggested, which is what I have done here.
It is said that most families in Florida have a Key Lime Pie recipe and the proper version is pale yellow in colour because of the key limes.
It isn’t clear exactly who invented the pie but there are many variations of the recipe to be found.
In 1965, Bernie Papy Jr, a Florida State Representative, called for $100 fine against the advertisement of a Key Lime Pie which hadn’t been made with Key Limes, but the bill failed.
The recipe I am choosing to make has a similar texture to cheesecake and I am making mine using ginger biscuits for the base as the flavours make a nice contrast to the lime.
Key Lime Pie and Recipe
Key Lime Pie is an American dessert and originates from Key West in Florida. It gets its name from the key limes grown in that area.
6
servings30
minutes2
hours315
kcalIngredients
80 g butter
230 g Ginger biscuits, crushed
397 g tin condensed milk
300 ml double cream
4 limes, juiced
1 lemon, juiced
zest of 4 limes
Directions
- Crush up the biscuits. This can be done by putting them in a large plastic bag with another over the top (because the bag tends to split with sharp biscuity bits) and rolling over with a rolling pin, until the biscuit texture of rough sand.
- Melt the butter over a low heat taking care not to burn, then pour your crushed biscuits into the melted butter. Mix well then put this into the prepared tin and flatten to the base.
- Place the tin into the fridge to chill whilst you make the filling.
- In a large bowl, pour the cream, evaporated milk, lime/lemon juice and zest, then whisk until it becomes thick.
- Take your chilled tin out of the fridge and pour the filling mix over the top of it.
- Now chill the pie for at least 2 hours.
Serve and enjoy!
