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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Stir in the melted butter and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. You can use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to pack the crust evenly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
2. Make the Key Lime Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, egg yolks, and vanilla extract (if using). The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
- Pour the lime filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the filling is just set (it should not jiggle too much when gently shaken).
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to fully set and develop its creamy texture.
3. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overwhip.
- Once the pie is fully chilled and set, spread the whipped cream generously over the top, creating a smooth or slightly swirled finish.
4. Serve and Garnish
- Slice the pie into wedges and serve. For an extra touch, you can garnish each slice with a twist of lime zest, thin lime slices, or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
- Enjoy your homemade Cheesecake Factory-style Key Lime Pie with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a light cocktail.
Tips for the Perfect Key Lime Pie:
- Key Lime vs. Regular Lime Juice: If you can get fresh key limes, they’ll give your pie that distinct tartness. If not, regular Persian limes are a suitable substitute.
- Chill the Pie Well: The longer you let the pie chill, the better the texture and flavor will be. Overnight chilling is ideal for achieving the perfect consistency.
- Don’t Overbake: The key lime filling should be slightly wobbly when you remove it from the oven. Overbaking will make the filling too firm and might cause cracks.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe mirrors the famous Cheesecake Factory Key Lime Pie with its velvety smooth filling and buttery graham cracker crust. The lime zest adds an extra burst of flavor, and the tangy filling is perfectly complemented by the rich whipped cream topping. By following these steps, you’ll be able to recreate the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy that makes Key Lime Pie such a beloved dessert.
Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a summer BBQ, or just because you’re craving something sweet and refreshing, this homemade Key Lime Pie will transport you straight to a tropical paradise with every bite. Enjoy!
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