Description
Delightful key lime pie jars bring tropical Florida flavors into miniature glass vessels of creamy, tangy goodness. Sweet graham cracker layers and zesty lime filling create a perfect portable dessert that makes summer memories dance on your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 fluid ounces) unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- A few drops of green gel food coloring (optional)
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Thin lime slices or curls for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a crumbly foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the texture mimics damp beach sand.
- Distribute the crumb mixture into individual jars, gently compressing to create a solid base layer.
- Heat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), preparing for the baking process.
- Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, tangy sour cream, zesty key lime juice, and fragrant lime zest until the mixture achieves a silky consistency. Optional: Enhance the color with a hint of green food coloring.
- Delicately spoon the creamy filling over the prepared graham cracker crust in each jar.
- Arrange the jars within a larger baking dish, surrounding them with hot water to create a gentle steam bath. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the centers set with a subtle wobble.
- Extract from the oven and allow to cool naturally to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal chilling and flavor development.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff, cloud-like peaks form.
- Crown each chilled jar with luxurious swirls of whipped cream.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with a delicate lime twist or a thin, elegant lime wheel.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
- Graham cracker crust works best when compressed firmly but gently to maintain a delicate texture.
- Add lime zest gradually and taste to control the tangy intensity of the dessert.
- Refrigerate jars for minimum 4 hours for optimal flavor development and firmer consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 357 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 84 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg