A Tangy Treat from a Summer Wedding
A few summers ago, I attended a wedding on one of those perfect, sunny days. As I wandered over to the dessert table, one dessert caught my eye—a Key lime pie. I’ve always had a thing for limes, so I had to give it a try. I had never tasted this before. After one bite, and I was hooked. The tanginess was spot on, just the right balance with the creamy filling. What really surprised me was learning it was a no-bake recipe—so simple, yet so full of flavor. I loved that it was refreshing without being too heavy, which was just what you want at a summer event. After that day, I added that recipe to my repertoire. This is a great recipe after a heavy dinner or for a summertime dessert and tea get-together.
Did You Know?
Did you know that Key limes are smaller, seedier, and more aromatic than regular limes? These tiny citrus fruits pack a powerful punch of flavor and are rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Key limes were first brought to the Florida Keys by Spanish explorers and have become a staple in Floridian cuisine. Their unique tartness and aromatic zest make them perfect for a variety of dishes, especially the famous Key lime pie. Enjoying this pie not only delights your taste buds but also gives you a boost of essential nutrients.
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup fresh Key lime juice (about 12 Key limes)
- 1 tablespoon Key lime zest
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup light cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 3 cups coconut cream (from 2 cans), chilled
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Key lime slices and zest for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, and honey. Mix until well combined.
Personal Tip: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pie pan to ensure a solid crust that won’t crumble when serving.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Make Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together Key lime juice, zest, Greek yogurt, light cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Personal Tip: Use freshly squeezed Key lime juice for the best flavor; bottled juice doesn’t have the same brightness.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill Pie:
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Personal Tip: The longer you chill the pie, the firmer it becomes, making it easier to slice.
Prepare Topping:
In a medium bowl, whip the chilled coconut cream with honey until fluffy.
Personal Tip: For a more stable whipped cream, chill your bowl and beaters before whipping the coconut cream.
Garnish and Serve:
Pipe or spread the whipped cream on the top of the pie.
Personal Tip: Garnish just before serving to keep the lime slices fresh and vibrant.
Garnish with Key lime slices and zest. Serve chilled.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200, Protein: 5g, Carbohydrates: 15g, Sugars: 12g, Total Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Sodium: 50mg, Fiber: 2g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Use Fresh Key Limes: Fresh Key limes are more economical and flavorful compared to bottled Key lime juice. When in season, buy them in bulk, juice them, and freeze the juice in ice cube trays for later use. This ensures you always have fresh Key lime juice on hand and saves money in the long run.
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Substitute Ingredients: If Key limes are unavailable or too expensive, regular limes can be used as a substitute. While the flavor profile is slightly different, regular limes still provide the necessary tartness for the pie. Alternatively, bottled Key lime juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor and nutritional benefits.
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Almond Flour Alternatives: Almond flour can be pricey, so consider using crushed graham crackers or oats as a more cost-effective alternative for the crust. These options still provide a delicious base for the pie without compromising on taste.
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Homemade Coconut Cream: Canned coconut cream can be expensive, and making it at home is a great way to save money. Simply refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the solidified cream from the top. This homemade version is just as rich and creamy, perfect for the pie topping.
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DIY Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a key ingredient in the filling, but it can be costly. Save money by making your own Greek yogurt at home. Strain regular yogurt using a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the whey, resulting in thick and creamy Greek yogurt. This homemade version is often more economical and allows you to control the consistency and flavor.
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Bulk Buying: Buy ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and honey in bulk to save money. These ingredients have a long shelf life and can be used in various recipes, making bulk purchases a smart financial choice.
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Seasonal Shopping: Take advantage of seasonal sales and farmers' markets to buy Key limes and other ingredients at lower prices. Seasonal produce is often fresher, more flavorful, and more affordable.
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Versatile Coconut Cream: Coconut cream left over from this recipe can be used in smoothies, curries, or as a dairy-free coffee creamer. Its versatility makes it a valuable ingredient to keep in your kitchen, reducing waste and maximizing value.
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Portion Control: Serve the pie in small slices to manage portion sizes and prevent overeating. This helps in maintaining a balanced diet and ensures that the pie lasts longer, making it a more cost-effective dessert option.
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Store Properly: Properly storing your Key lime pie ensures it stays fresh for longer. Keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and texture. This way, you can enjoy the pie over several days without any loss of quality.
Different Types of Limes and Their Results
Limes are a versatile fruit used in cooking and beverages worldwide, but not all limes are created equal. Key limes, also known as Mexican limes, are smaller, more acidic, and have a distinctive flavor compared to the more common Persian limes found in most grocery stores. Persian limes are larger, less acidic, and have a thicker skin, making them easier to zest and juice. While Key limes are often preferred for their tart and aromatic qualities in desserts like Key lime pie, Persian limes are more versatile for everyday cooking, adding a refreshing zing to salads, marinades, and cocktails. Other varieties include the Kaffir lime, which is prized for its fragrant leaves used in Southeast Asian cuisine, and the Finger lime, known for its caviar-like texture, perfect for garnishing dishes. Each type of lime brings its own unique flavor and texture to the table, making them a valuable ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.