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Double Stuffed Vanilla Key Lime Pie…with double the crust too. This is not your average key lime pie, it’s super easy, creamy, and made with an extra amount of tang. The filling is made with just a few simple ingredients, plenty of fresh lime, and a touch of sweet vanilla bean. The crust is thick, buttery, and hinted with cinnamon. Put the two together and you have the most mouthwatering pie. Just sweet enough, incredibly luscious, super creamy, tangy, and swirled with vanilla. Finish with lightly whipped cream and lime zest for a tropical summer pie that everyone will love!
There was once a period of time when I said I would never make key lime pie. It just wasn’t a pie that interested me when I was growing up. I never understood why key lime pie was one of my grandpa’s (and brother Brendan’s) personal favorites. If you’re going to enjoy a slice of pie, why not make it a slice of chocolate chip cookie pie? Yes, that was my thinking as a kid…and really, just until a couple of years ago.
I never got key lime pie, it just seemed weird to me. Limes are for tacos, not pie. I mean, right?
Wrong. Wrong. So very wrong.
Limes can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. And while I can’t say key lime pie is my absolute favorite pie, I will say it’s incredibly delicious. A chilled pie is perfect for low key hot summer nights. Just be sure to add lime zest and an extra dollop of whipped cream!
So where did the inspiration come from?
Well, I had two sources of inspiration for this pie.
First and foremost, my sister in law, Lyndsie. Lyndsie has been telling me to make key lime pie since the day I met her. It’s her favorite pie and she has always been annoyed with me that I refused to make it for so many years. So when I told her I was making key lime pie? She just said, “I mean, finally, I’ve only been telling you to make key lime pie since the day I met you”.
And then…she went on to tell me all the things my key lime pie needs to be. The crust needs to be thick. It needs to be not too sweet, extra tangy, and of course, extra creamy. And for the topping? Well, she actually required me to keep it simple. Whipped cream and lime zest only.
I had some interesting topping ideas, but let’s just say that Lyndsie didn’t quite approve. She said, don’t over-mess with key lime pie! It’s good as is, but you can make it better with more crust, more filling, extra lime, and a hint of sweetness.
So, that’s what I did.
My second source of inspiration is my grandpa’s eightieth birthday next week! To celebrate, I thought it would be fun to finally make one of his favorite pies. Yeah, he loves all pie, but he loves Key Lime Pie the most. So happy (early) birthday grandpa! Someday, when traveling is a thing again, I’ll be making this pie for you the very first chance I get.
Now, onto the details.
So what’s the most awesome thing I learned about key lime pie…other than the fact that it’s actually really delicious?
That it’s such an EASY pie to make, I’m talking so easy. Just about anyone can make this key lime pie.
Start with your crust. As I mentioned, I made a thick crust using sweet graham crackers, a touch of cinnamon (graham crackers and cinnamon together is my absolute favorite), and salted butter (always salted butter). Then I baked it up in a deep-dish pie plate. All done, super easy. That touch of cinnamon and the use of salted butter are key.
Now, while the crust is baking, make the key lime filling. I listened to Lynd’s and went with an extra tangy and just sweet enough filling. This means heavy on the lime and lighter on the sweetened condensed milk. Instead of more sugar, I used vanilla to really add a layer of flavor and sweetness to the pie. It’s an unexpected but delicious flavor when paired with the tangy lime.
Then just bake the filling in the crust and in less than thirty minutes you’ll have key lime pie. So easy right? I was shocked this wasn’t a more complicated pie to make, but very pleasantly surprised.
Remember, it’s summer, so simple is the name of the game.
And for serving, whipped cream and just a touch of lime zest. Nothing fancy at all, but sometimes you don’t mess (too much at least) with a classic.
A note on the pie plate.
For my pie plate, I used a deep dish style pie plate. I’m recommending something similar to this glass pie plate or this stoneware pie plate. You need something a bit deeper to fit the thicker crust and thicker filling.
Loving the idea of serving this pie at your next summer picnic or backyard dinner. It’s the perfect tropical pie to end a summer night. And my only other suggestion? Add double the whipped cream. If you have double the key lime pie, you need doubles on the topping too!
Oh and maybe add your favorite fruity cocktail as well. Tropical pie, tropical drink. I’m recommending my creamy coconut lime mojito, or maybe just a fun blackberry margarita.
Looking for other fun summer pies? Here are a few ideas for you:
Lastly, if you make this double stuffed vanilla key lime pie, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Double Stuffed Vanilla Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, melted
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon lime zest + 3/4 cup lime juice
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean powder, (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and butter until combined. Press the mix into a deep-dish 9-inch pie plate. Transfer to the oven and bake until toasted, about 8 minutes.3. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla, vanilla bean powder (if using), and salt. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Carefully pour the mix into the baked crust. 4. Transfer to the oven and bake for 13-14 minutes, until just set on top. Let the pie cool slightly, then cover and chill in the fridge until set, at least one hour. Serve the pie topped with whipped cream and additional lime zest.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Made this today! It was delicious!! However, I do not have a deep dish pie pan, and almost bought one to make this. I decided to wing it instead. I followed recipe to a tee, and had too many crumbs for my dish, and I was worried that I would have too much filling too. But that wasn’t the case at all… I hardly had enough to fill the crust!!! In any case, it was delicious!!
Thank you so much for trying this Cathee! I am really glad this turned out so well for you!! xTieghan
H! I am planing to make this tomorrow for a small dinner party… can’t wait to taste it!
One question… I don’t have access to prepared/boxed graham cracker crumbs, used for recipes, but I do have good old Nabisco Honey Maid Grahams, that I can easily make into crumbs. Just wondering which you used. I previously substituted one for the other in another recipe and it didn’t come out the same. Thoughts?
Hi Cathee,
Those would be great to use! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This is a silly question, but what do you use to get the zest in those cute curls? I usually use a microplane to zest, so it never looks like nice 😉
Hey,
Lol not silly at all, so I thinly slice the zest and then I twist them by hand:) I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
The best key lime pie and super easy to throw together 😉
Thank you so much Brittany! xTieghan
If you’re jonesing for the “key lime” experience – King Arthur Flour in Vermont carries Key Lime Juice! I bought some and plan to make the pie this week 🙂 https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/floribbean-key-lime-juice-12-oz
Thank you Sam! I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan
So I made this exactly as the recipe says and it was really delicious! Love the fresh “lime-i-ness” of this filling. The second time I doubled the filling and used a spring form pan. Really lovely and doubles up the amazing filling!!
This is my go to summer pie!!
Thank you so much Susan!! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
I made this pie and it was AMAZING! When I went to the store, the store actually had key limes so I used those instead to try and it worked great! I am sure normal limes would taste great too. LOVED this recipe, already planning when I will make again.
Yes so happy you hear that, Ally! Thank you! xTieghan
Seeing a lot of bizarrely combative regional feedback in the comments. Relax, people. It’s not that serious. Are you going to crash vegan cheesecake recipe comment sections complaining that they can’t call it cheesecake? It’s a delicious, FREE recipe. Get over yourselves. Phew, rant over.
ANYWAY, this was incredible, and we loved it. Thank you *so* much for this amazing recipe!
Hi Marcus! I am so glad this turned out so amazing for you!! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
Hey Tieghan,
Oh my goodness this was amazing!! You’ve outdone yourself this may be my new favorite dessert. It was really easy to make and so delicious!! I am thinking of making it again as I like to share. I shared a piece with two friends. I’ll let you know what they say. The sweetened condensed milk was a genius idea if I may say so. I like how its sweet and creamy but also tangy like a real key lime flavor. Its a perfect combination all the ingredients work so well together. I couldn’t find Vanilla Powder and to be completely honest I wouldn’t know where to look. When I make it again would u recommend I use that powder if I can find it?? Your blog has become my favorite go to for recipe hands down!! Your photography has me hooked you do a great job!! Also, the stories that go with each recipe makes it feel like were in the kitchen with you. I love it all thank you!!! 🙂
Hey Mike,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe, I am so glad it was a hit! If you would like to use vanilla bean powder for next time here is the link for the one I use. https://shopstyle.it/l/bj6A6 Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Decided to make this recipe on a whim because I had a bunch of limes and wasn’t sure what to do with them. Honestly, I haven’t made a homemade key lime pie before, but this is AMAZING. I love the addition of cinnamon to the crust and vanilla to the filling. This recipe is so delicious – I wouldn’t change a thing (or the name…). Can’t wait to share it with others!
So amazing!! I am really glad you enjoyed this one and I hope others do as well when you are able to share it!! Thank you Chelsea! xTieghan
Tonight was my first time making key lime pie and I am SO glad that I decided to follow your recipe!!!! It was quick, easy, and my whole family absolutely loved it! The tart flavor combined with the vanilla and cinnamon twist was to die for!! Thank you for another great treat—we all love your recipes!!! Xoxo
Thank you so much Kat!! I am really glad this turned out so amazing for you!! xTieghan
I’m making this tonight and the vanilla bean powder you linked through amazon was for vanilla powder…not vanilla bean. Do you think it would make a difference? I’m considering leaving it out. Still excited to try this!
Hey Mandy,
The vanilla bean powder is optional so you can certainly leave it out. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Looks delicious! Do you think this could be made in a cupcake tin for mini pies?
Hey Jessica,
Sure, sounds like a fun idea! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Delicious! Another wonderful recipe:) the calories are definitely way off though, with condensed milk alone there would already be more cals than that lol.
Thank you Anya! I will double check! xTieghan
An you sub limes for lemons and do quantities change?
Hey Bettina,
I would use the same amount of lemon juice. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan