Key Lime Pie for Two

Dessert, Pie | July 23, 2016 | By

Key lime pie always reminds me of my wedding in Key West so Key lime pie always makes me happy! Key limes were actually the jumping off point for our theme. We had a Key lime cake and the florist used Key limes in some of the arrangements.  We also sampled LOTS of Key lime pie while on our honeymoon.  I can’t wait to go back!  In the mean time I will console myself with these cute little individual sized Key lime pies.   I wanted something that tasted like those pies in Key West but we also don’t need to eat a whole pie so these perfect little portion control pies for two really have that authentic taste I was looking for! 

Key Lime Pie for Two 3

Key West wedding photos, Sunset Key

Happy Day!

You can use regular grocery store limes in this recipe.  I’m in New York so Key limes aren’t readily available.  You won’t be able to taste the difference, I promise!  IF you do have Key limes available to you, you will need 10 of them to get 1/4 cup juice.  You will also need two mini pie plates, like these: Corningware French White III Mini Pie Plate.  These are 5.4 inch x 1 inch.  It’s also important to add the filling to the crust while it’s still warm so the filling “sticks” to the crust and doesn’t separate when you cut into it.  If your crust does cool off though you can rewarm it in the oven for 5 minutes before adding the filling.

 

The filling is really simple.  Just whisk the egg yolks and lime zest until the mixture has a light green tint, about one minute.  

Key Lime Pie for Two 6

Next  you’ll whisk in the condensed milk and then the lime juice of two limes to total 1/4 cup.  Don’t be tempted to use bottled lime juice, it’s just so tart tasting and you won’t get a great tasting pie.  Cover the mixture and let it rest for 30 minutes.  This will thicken it.  

Key Lime Pie for Two 4

While the filling is thickening make sure your oven rack is in the middle position and heat it to 325°.  Process the graham crackers in the food processor, mix in the butter and sugar.  Sprinkle crumb mixture between the two pie plates and using the bottom of a measuring cup press the crumbs into and even layer on bottom and sides of the pie plate.  Bake the crust until it’s fragrant and beginning to brown, about 13-18 minutes.  Transfer the pie plates to a wire rack but don’t turn off the oven yet.  Add the filling to the warm crust.  

Key Lime Pie for Two

Bake pies until the center is firm but jiggles slightly, 15 to 20 minutes.  Let the pies cool on a wire rack for about an hour and then wrap them loosely and refrigerate for 3 hours.  

Now we didn’t come all this way to put imitation topping on our cute little pies.  This topping is super simple and quick.  It’s lightly sweetened and perfectly balances the tartness of these pies so don’t skip it!  Using your handheld mixer beat the cream, sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl on medium low speed until foamy.  Increase the speed and beat until soft peaks form, about another minute longer.  Spread over the top of the chilled pies and have a taste of Key West!

Key Lime Pie for Two 1

Key Lime Pie for Two
Serves 2
Key lime pie for two that is brightly flavored with a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Write a review
Print
Ingredients
  1. Filling
  2. 2 large egg yolks
  3. 2 teaspoons grated lime zest plus 1/4 cup lime juice (2 medium limes)
  4. 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
  5. Crust
  6. 4 whole graham crackers or a heaping 1/4 cup of graham cracker crumbs
  7. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  8. 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
  9. Topping
  10. 1/4 cup heavy cream, chilled
  11. 2 teaspoons confectioners sugar
  12. 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling
  1. Whisk egg yolks and lime zest until mixture is light green, about one minute. Whisk in condensed milk until smooth, then whisk in the lime juice. Cover and set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes. This will thicken the filling.
For the crust
  1. While the filling is thickening adjust your oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Process graham crackers in the food processor to fine even crumbs or if you're using graham cracker crumbs that have already been processed measure out a heaping 1/4 cup. Add melted butter and sugar to crumbs and either pulse or stir to combine.
  2. Divide mixture between the two pie dishes and using the bottom of a dry measuring cup, press crumbs into an even layer on the bottom and sides of the pie plate. Bake until crust is fragrant and beginning to brown, 13 to 18 minutes. Transfer pie plates to wire rack; don't turn off the oven. (Crust must still be warm when filling is added.)
  3. Pour thickened filling into the warm pie crusts, dividing equally. Bake pies until center is firm but jiggles slightly, 15 to 20 minutes. Let pies cool on a wire rack for an hour and then cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until filling is chilled and set, about 3 hours.
For the topping
  1. Using a handheld mixer set at medium-low speed, ,beat cream, sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to high and beat until soft peaks form, 1 to 3 minutes. Divide the whipped cream in half and spread on each chilled pie.
Notes
  1. If using Key limes you will need 10. Be sure to add filling warm crust. If it has cooled you'll need to rewarm it for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
Adapted from Baking for Two
Adapted from Baking for Two
Two Delicious https://www.twodelicious.com/