Aussie Key Lime Pie Recipe
Overview:
Aussies love their meringues, and this Aussie Key Lime Pie combines the tangy zest of American Key Lime Pie with a delightful optional meringue topping, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Adapted from a trusted Delia Smith recipe, this pie promises a creamy, velvety texture if you follow one key rule: don’t overcook it! It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that can be made ahead or even frozen, making it ideal for dinner parties, picnics, or any sweet gathering.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | 9-inch graham cracker crust |
| 120g | Butter, melted |
| 1 | Lime rind, grated |
| 3 | Limes, juice of |
| 3 | Egg yolks |
| 1 can (14 oz) | Sweetened condensed milk |
| 3 tbsp | White sugar |
Meringue Topping (optional):
- 3 egg whites
- 175g white sugar
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crust:
- If not using a prepared crust, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Process the biscuits in a food processor until they resemble fine crumbs.
- Add melted butter and pulse until well combined. Alternatively, crush biscuits in a bag and mix with melted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the base and sides of a 9-inch flan dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks and grated lime zest with an electric mixer until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Gradually add the condensed milk, beating until thick and creamy (about 4-5 minutes).
- Mix in the lime juice until well combined.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 170°C (325°F).
- Bake the pie on the center shelf of the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the center is just set. Be cautious not to overcook.
-
Cool and Chill:
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If not topping with meringue, cover with an inverted dinner plate to maintain a smooth surface.
-
Optional Meringue Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) or reset if still warm from baking the pie.
- Grease two baking sheets.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, beating between each addition, until the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a medium fluted tip, or simply drop spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Place in the oven on the center shelves, immediately reducing the temperature to 140°C (275°F).
- Bake for 1 hour (or 1 1/4 hours for a drier meringue), then turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside until completely cool.
-
Serve:
- When ready to serve, spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the cooled pie and decorate with the prepared meringues.
- Extra meringues can be served separately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips:
- Texture Tip: Avoid overcooking the pie; the center should be just set for a smooth texture.
- Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day ahead and kept chilled in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: If freezing, omit the meringue topping and freeze the pie in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 437.1
- Fat: 25.5g
- Saturated Fat: 12.5g
- Cholesterol: 127.5mg
- Sodium: 322.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 47.8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 38.6g
- Protein: 6.4g
Keywords:
Dessert, Lime, Citrus, Fruit, Australian, Summer, Sweet, Mixer, Refrigerator, Small Appliance, Less than 4 Hours
Enjoy Your Aussie Key Lime Pie!
This recipe combines the best of both worlds—refreshing lime flavors with a hint of Aussie flair, topped optionally with delicate meringues. Perfect for warm summer days, picnics, or any time you crave a tangy, sweet treat that’s sure to impress!
