This tangy key lime pie is a creamy, citrus-filled dessert that’s incredibly easy to make. Perfect for warm days, it’s a family-friendly treat bursting with flavor and zest. You’ll love how quickly this pie comes together, making it a go-to for any gathering!
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Why Choose Tangy Key Lime Pie?
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both delicious and delightful, tangy key lime pie is your answer. Its bright, zesty flavor pairs wonderfully with a light, crumbly crust, creating a refreshing treat perfect for summer. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that showcases fresh ingredients, bringing smiles to the whole family.

Key Ingredients for Tangy Key Lime Pie
The Importance of Key Limes
Key limes are the star of this recipe. Smaller and juicier than regular limes, they deliver an intense, tangy flavor that’s unmatched. Their unique taste is what makes this pie stand out, providing that signature zing that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Essential Ingredients for the Crust
Your crust plays a vital role in this pie’s overall texture. Made from graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter, it forms a crisp base that complements the creamy filling beautifully. The addition of finely chopped white chocolate elevates the crust, giving it an indulgent twist.
Key Ingredients for the Filling
The filling features a delightful blend of plain yogurt, key lime juice, zest, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk. This mix results in a creamy consistency—smooth yet slightly tangy, with the perfect balance of sweetness. It’s a harmonious treat that feels refreshing on warm days.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tangy Key Lime Pie
Preparing the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a pie pan, then place the chopped white chocolate in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, salt, and chilled white chocolate. Drizzle the melted butter and vegetable oil over the mixture, stirring until everything is well coated. Press the crust mixture firmly into the pie pan using a measuring cup for even thickness. Bake for about 12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling.
Making the Filling
For the filling, whisk together the yogurt, key lime juice, lime zest, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a bowl. Mix on medium speed for two minutes until everything is well blended. Pour the filling into your cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Baking the Pie
Place the pie back in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the filling is set. The gently baked filling should be firm yet slightly wobbly in the center.
Cooling and Serving Tips
Once the pie is done baking, cool it on a wire rack. For an extra touch, garnish with remaining lime zest before covering it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the pie for at least two hours before serving to let the flavors meld and the filling set properly.
Tips for Perfecting Your Tangy Key Lime Pie
Best Practices for Crust Texture
For a perfectly textured crust, ensure your graham cracker mixture is well combined and pressed firmly into the pan. This prevents it from crumbling when you slice the pie. Baking it just until the edges start to brown gives it a delightful crunch without drying it out.
Achieving the Right Filling Consistency
To ensure your filling has the perfect creamy consistency, mix the ingredients thoroughly but avoid over-beating. This helps maintain a smooth texture while preventing the filling from becoming too airy. Remember, the key limes are what bring that signature tang!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This tangy key lime pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve it chilled, and feel free to add fresh whipped cream or berries on top for an extra burst of flavor. It’s a delightful way to finish any meal!
FAQs
What makes this key lime pie tangy?
This key lime pie is tangy due to the use of fresh key lime juice, which has a more intense flavor than regular limes. The combination of key lime juice, zest, and sweetened condensed milk achieves the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.
Can I make the graham cracker crust from scratch?
Yes, you can make the graham cracker crust from scratch by combining crushed graham crackers with melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Press it into the pie pan firmly for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer dessert?
Absolutely! This tangy key lime pie is a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or barbecues.
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
The pie should chill for at least two hours before serving to allow it to set properly and enhance the flavors.
Can I use fresh key limes instead of bottled juice?
Yes, using fresh key limes will give your pie an even better flavor! Just make sure to zest and juice them before mixing them into the filling.
Related Recipes to Try
Conclusion
This tangy key lime pie is not only a delicious treat but also a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer. For more inspiration, check out our collection on Pinterest. Your family will love this zesty addition to any meal, so why not whip it up today?

Tangy Key Lime Pie
Equipment
- oven
- Pie Pan
- mixing bowl
- Measuring cup
- whisk
- freezer
Ingredients
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- ⅛ tsp Salt
- ¼ cup White Chocolate, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp Butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- ½ tsp Shortening, Lard, or Cooking Spray (for greasing pie pan)
- ½ cup Plain Yogurt (reduced-fat, Greek yogurt recommended)
- ½ cup Key Lime Juice
- ¾ tsp Key Lime Zest (reserve some for garnish)
- 3 large Egg Yolks
- 1 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk (fat-free or regular)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a pie pan and freeze the white chocolate.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, salt, and chopped chocolate; add melted butter and vegetable oil, then press into the pie pan.
- Bake the crust for 12 minutes until edges brown; cool completely.
- Combine yogurt, lime juice, lime zest, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk; mix for two minutes and pour into the crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until filling is set.
- Cool on a wire rack, garnish with lime zest, cover, and refrigerate for two hours before serving.