Perfect Key Lime Meringue Pie: Classic Florida Dessert Recipe

Key LTransport yourself to the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys with this extraordinary key lime meringue pie that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. This iconic dessert features a silky, custard-like key lime filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust and crowned with a golden, toasted meringue cloud. The magic happens when the intense tartness of authentic key lime juice meets the airy sweetness of perfectly whipped meringue, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

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Why This Recipe Works

The secret to exceptional key lime meringue pie lies in understanding the science behind each component. The condensed milk provides natural sweetness and creates the perfect custard-like texture without requiring additional cooking, while the egg yolks add richness and help set the filling. The key lime juice delivers that signature tart flavor and reacts with the proteins in the condensed milk to create the ideal consistency. The meringue topping requires a precise technique with room temperature egg whites and gradual sugar incorporation to achieve that perfect fluffy, stable foam that bakes to golden perfection.

Why You Should Try This Key Lime Meringue Pie Recipe

Key lime pie tastes wonderful and is made even more delicious with a fluffy meringue topping. This key lime pie recipe with meringue is a to-die-for dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

If you want a go-to summer dessert, this key lime meringue pie recipe could be all you need.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• Sweetened condensed milk – Creates the rich, creamy base that sets naturally without additional cooking
• Large egg yolks – Provide richness and help achieve the perfect custard-like consistency
• Fresh key lime juice – Delivers the signature intense, tart flavor that defines this classic dessert
• Key lime zest – Adds aromatic oils and intensifies the citrus flavor throughout the filling

For the Meringue Topping:

• Large egg whites – Form the foundation for the light, airy meringue when properly whipped
• Superfine sugar – Dissolves more easily than regular sugar, creating smooth, stable meringue
• Cream of tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites and helps achieve perfect, lasting peaks
• Pure vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor and adds aromatic depth to the meringue

For the Crust:

• Graham cracker crust – Provides the perfect sweet, crunchy foundation that complements the tart filling
• Unsalted butter – Binds the crust ingredients and adds rich, buttery flavor

What Are Key Limes?

Persian limes are the most common limes available. Key limes are much smaller (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and have a much more intense flavor.

You can labor away at juicing each key lime required for this recipe, but you can also buy concentrated key lime juice such as Nellie and Joe’s Key West Lime Juice.

To have fresh key lime juice throughout the year, squeeze the limes while they’re in season, freeze the juice in ice cube trays, and store the cubes in freezer bags.

You can use regular limes, but your pie won’t be quite as tart. Using concentrated key lime juice, you can also make this key lime pie with meringue topping.

How to Make This Key Lime Pie With Meringue Recipe

This key lime pie recipe with meringue is so easy to make you’ll be impressed with the results no matter your baking skill level. Here are the steps in brief:

To make the key lime pie base:

1. Place the condensed milk, egg yolks, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir or whisk to combine until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.

To make the meringue topping for key lime pie:

1. Place the egg whites in a bowl of an electric mixer. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment is recommended.

2. Beat the egg whites until frothy.
3. Gradually add the sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Add the cream of tartar and vanilla extract.

5. Spoon the meringue over the pie filling.
6. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned. Cool the pie on a wire rack.

Tips for Making a Meringue Topping for Key Lime Pie

• A perfect meringue is all in the egg whites. Make sure your eggs are fresh and be careful when separating them – even a tiny bit of yolk can keep peaks from forming properly.
• For the lightest and fluffiest meringue, allow the egg whites to come to room temperature – they will whip up more easily.
• Whisk the egg whites in a bowl that’s both clean and dry. Even a small amount of oily residue in the bowl will prevent your whites from whisking properly.
• Over-whipping can change the texture. Be sure to whisk them just to the point that they stand in stiff peaks, no more. Your peaks are firm when you can lift your beater or whisk out of the egg whites with the peak remaining erect and not bending over.
• If you overbeat your egg whites, the foam will collapse and become grainy and watery.
• Beat the sugar into the egg whites gradually until the sugar is completely dissolved. If the sugar does not dissolve properly, you’ll get little amber-colored drops on top of the meringue. That’s fine concerning taste, but just not what you are going for!
• Seal your pie with the meringue by wiping your meringue-covered spoon along the edge of the pie crust. This makes the meringue “grab” onto the pie crust so it won’t shrink away from it.
• Keep an eye on your key lime meringue pie while baking, and keep it away from drafts when taking it out of the oven. A sudden breeze could shrink your meringue.

Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

Make your own homemade graham cracker crust. It’s just so much more buttery than ready-made!!! 

Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make Graham Cracker Crust

1. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Fold in the butter to form moist crumbs.
3. Press into a 9-inch pie plate, pinch the sides for an even crust, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Pre-baking a graham cracker crust isn’t usually necessary, but if you want an extra crisp crust, bake it at 375°F for 7 to 10 minutes until the crust has darkened and set. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.

What to Serve With Key Lime Meringue Pie

Kay lime pie with meringue topping is a dessert that will be perfect with any number of main dishes. A variety of drinks will also complement this key lime pie with meringue. Here are a few suggestions:

• Limeade – choose from a variety of flavors.
• Lime Margarita
• Very Berry Hibiscus – This refreshing drink tastes like summer!
• Watermelon Margarita

Storage & Serving Instructions

• Freezing Guidelines: Freeze pie without meringue for up to 2 months. Add fresh meringue topping after thawing completely
• Refrigerator Storage: Cover loosely with plastic wrap supported by toothpicks to protect the meringue. Store for up to 3 days maximum
• Serving Temperature: Best served chilled directly from the refrigerator. Allow to sit 5 minutes before slicing for easier cutting

Favorite Pie Recipes

• Banana Cream Pie
• Blueberry Cream Pie
• Buttermilk Pie
• Hawaiian Pie
• Cherry Cream Cheese Pie
• German Chocolate Pie
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
• Tollhouse Pie
• Turtle Pie

Popular Citrus Desserts

• Easy Lemon Bars
• Lemon Lush
• Mandarin Orange Cake

Check out my easy pie recipes and the best dessert recipes on CopyKat!

Thanks to the viewer who sent this key lime pie with meringue recipe.