Key Lime Pie from Bahama Breeze features a tangy and creamy lime custard made with fresh key lime juice, nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with fluffy whipped cream, delivering a refreshing and zesty dessert experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Citrus juicer
- Microplane or zester
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- 9-inch pie pan
- Saucepan (optional, for melting butter)
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons key lime zest
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ensure you use fresh key lime juice and zest for the most authentic tangy flavor, as bottled juice may alter the taste. Melt unsalted butter thoroughly to evenly bind the graham cracker crust, giving it a firm and buttery base. Whisk egg yolks carefully to avoid scrambling, and incorporate sweetened condensed milk smoothly for a creamy custard texture. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form to create a light and fluffy topping. Your Key Lime Pie copycat from Bahama Breeze will capture the refreshing and zesty essence of the original dessert.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Add melted butter to the crumb mixture and mix until well combined.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake crust for 8-10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime zest, and key lime juice until smooth.
- Pour the lime custard filling into the cooled crust.
- Bake pie for 15-18 minutes until filling is just set.
- Remove pie from oven and let cool to room temperature on a cooling rack.
- Refrigerate pie for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled.
- In a clean mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe whipped cream over chilled pie.
- Garnish with extra lime zest or lime slices, if desired.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Substitution
Key Lime Pie from Bahama Breeze copycat menu offers a perfectly balanced tangy lime custard with a smooth texture. If fresh key limes are unavailable, bottled key lime juice can be used without significantly affecting the flavor. When substituting graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a similar crust. Ensure to melt unsalted butter gently in a saucepan to achieve the ideal crust consistency. Your whipped cream topping will be light and airy when using cold heavy cream and an electric mixer for best results.
Tips
Use fresh key lime juice and zest for the most authentic, tangy flavor, but bottled juice can work if fresh isn't available. When pressing the graham cracker crust into the pie pan, ensure it's packed tightly to prevent crumbling after baking. Whip the heavy cream just until stiff peaks form to avoid overbeating, which can turn it grainy. You should refrigerate your pie for at least three hours to allow the filling to fully set and develop its creamy texture.
Nutritions
Key Lime Pie from Bahama Breeze provides a rich source of calcium and protein thanks to its heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk. The graham cracker crust adds digestible carbohydrates and some dietary fiber from the crumbs. Key lime juice delivers vitamin C and antioxidants, enhancing your immune support while contributing to a tangy flavor. You can enjoy this dessert as a satisfying treat with both nutritional benefits and refreshing citrus notes.
Storage
Store your Key Lime Pie in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other odors. The pie should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring that the delicate lime custard and whipped cream topping remain creamy and refreshing. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture of the custard and whipped cream.
Variation or Alternatives
For a more vibrant crust, you can substitute half of the graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs to introduce a subtle variation in flavor and texture. If fresh key limes are unavailable, regular lime juice with a teaspoon of lime zest can serve as a suitable alternative without compromising the pie's signature tanginess. To lighten the texture of the whipped cream topping, fold in a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt before spreading it on your pie. Your key lime pie will maintain its refreshing essence while accommodating ingredient availability and personal preferences.
Allergies
Your risk of allergic reaction to Key Lime Pie from Bahama Breeze may stem from common allergens such as eggs, dairy (butter, sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream), and gluten from the graham cracker crust. People sensitive to egg yolks or lactose should avoid this dessert as it contains significant amounts of these ingredients. Always check for cross-contamination if you have severe food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
The Key Lime Pie from Bahama Breeze is celebrated for its perfectly balanced tartness and creamy texture, crafted with fresh key lime juice and a buttery graham cracker crust. Fans appreciate the refreshing citrus flavor combined with a light, airy meringue topping that complements the pie's rich filling. Making a copycat version allows you to capture this tropical dessert's vibrant taste and bring a slice of Bahama Breeze's island-inspired menu into your own kitchen. Your homemade pie can replicate the restaurant's signature quality, impressing guests with a classic dessert that bursts with authentic, zesty flavor.