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How to Make Cheesecake Factory-Inspired Key Lime Pie
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious pie:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter and a pinch of salt, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, making sure the crust is even and compact. You can also press it slightly up the sides of the pan if you prefer a thicker crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until it is golden brown and slightly set.
- Remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and lime zest. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix again. This will bring out the flavor and balance the tartness of the lime juice.
- Once your filling is ready, pour it into the cooled graham cracker crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula to make it even.
- Bake the pie in the oven for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Step 3: Chill the Pie
- Once the pie has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight if you can. This will help the filling set and allow the flavors to meld together.
- When ready to serve, top the pie with a generous layer of whipped cream.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping
- In a chilled mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the top of your chilled Key Lime Pie. You can garnish with lime slices or a sprinkle of lime zest for extra flair.
Serving Your Key Lime Pie
Once the whipped cream is on top, your Cheesecake Factory-inspired Key Lime Pie is ready to serve! Slice it up and enjoy the tangy lime flavor, creamy texture, and the buttery, sweet graham cracker crust. It’s the perfect combination of tart and sweet, making it a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Tips for the Perfect Key Lime Pie
- Fresh lime juice is key! While bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, freshly squeezed lime juice will provide a much brighter, more vibrant flavor. Don’t skip the lime zest either; it adds an extra punch of citrusy goodness.
- Egg yolks only. The recipe calls for egg yolks, not whole eggs. The yolks help create the rich, creamy texture that’s characteristic of a great Key Lime Pie.
- Chill thoroughly. Be patient and give your pie enough time to chill in the fridge. This step is essential for setting the filling and creating that smooth, creamy texture.
- Customize the whipped cream. If you like a little extra sweetness, feel free to add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the whipped cream mixture. For a twist, you could also add a bit of lime zest to the whipped cream for an added burst of citrus flavor.
Why This Key Lime Pie is a Must-Try
The Cheesecake Factory’s Key Lime Pie is beloved for its perfect balance of flavors, from the tangy lime filling to the rich graham cracker crust. By following this simple recipe, you can recreate the magic of the Cheesecake Factory in your own kitchen!
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a family dinner, or just as a treat for yourself, this Key Lime Pie will be sure to impress. The combination of the creamy, tart filling with the sweet crust and airy whipped cream is an unbeatable dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed! It’s a timeless dessert that’s sure to bring smiles to every table.
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