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Mini Key Lime Pies topped with swirled whipped cream and fresh lime slices on white parchment paper.
Daniel

Mini Key Lime Pies

Creamy, tangy individual key lime pies with a buttery graham cracker crust - no sharing required.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 6 pies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs about 8 full crackers
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the Filling
  • 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks room temperature
  • 0.5 cup key lime juice freshly squeezed, about 20-24 key limes
  • 1 tbsp key lime zest finely grated
For Topping
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream cold
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar

Equipment

  • 6-cup muffin tin
  • Cupcake liners
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Microplane or fine grater
  • Mixing Bowls

Method
 

Make the Crust
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Stir graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the texture of wet sand. Divide among 6 lined muffin cups, pressing firmly with the bottom of a small glass or measuring cup to create an even layer. Bake until fragrant and set, 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Make the Filling
  1. Whisk egg yolks and lime zest in a medium bowl until pale and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth, then stir in key lime juice. The mixture will thicken slightly. Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove any zest clumps or egg bits.
  2. Divide filling among cooled crusts, filling almost to the top. Bake until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly when nudged, 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake - they will firm up as they cool. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
  3. Beat cold heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks. Dollop or pipe onto chilled pies just before serving.

Notes

Fresh key lime juice is essential - bottled lacks the aromatic oils that make these special. If key limes are unavailable, use regular Persian lime juice plus 1 teaspoon of the zest for intensity. These keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add whipped cream just before serving.