Here’s a classic Key Lime Pie recipe:

Ingredients:

For the graham cracker crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the key lime pie filling:

  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup key lime juice (you can use regular lime juice if key limes are not available)
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest (from about 4-5 key limes, or regular lime zest)

For the whipped cream (optional):

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
  3. Press the graham cracker mixture into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly. You can use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to help with this.
  4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and key lime zest until well combined.
  6. Pour the key lime pie filling into the cooled graham cracker crust.
  7. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly. The heat from the oven will continue to set the pie as it cools.
  8. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to chill and set.
  9. If desired, prepare the whipped cream by whipping the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. You can then spread or pipe the whipped cream onto the chilled pie.
  10. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade Key Lime Pie!

Remember that traditional Key Lime Pie uses key limes for their unique flavor, but if you can’t find them, regular limes will work well. You can also garnish the pie with additional lime zest or thin lime slices for extra presentation.