Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie is a twist on the classic dessert from the Florida Keys. It’s a creamy, tart and slightly sweet pie made from fresh lime juice and condensed milk, with a rich, buttery graham cracker crust. But Jamie adds his own magic touch by balancing the flavors to perfection. His version is known for being refreshingly tangy, with the creamy filling setting beautifully atop a crunchy, golden base.
The beauty of this pie is in its simplicity. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques and it’s a great crowd-pleaser because of the bright citrus notes and the contrast between the smooth filling and crisp crust. It’s perfect for any occasion but it really shines in the warmer months, giving a zesty kick to your dessert table.
Jamie Oliver Key Lime Pie Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie, you’ll need:
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For The Crust
- 200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers if you’re going for the American classic)
- 75g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (adds a deeper flavor)
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For The Filling
- 6 large egg yolks
- 400g can of condensed milk (the heart of the creamy texture)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (the tang that makes this pie unforgettable)
- Zest of 2 limes (for an extra burst of lime flavor)
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For The Topping
- 200ml double cream (for a light whipped topping)
- A little bit of icing sugar (for sweetness)
Equipment Needed
Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools:
- Food Processor or a Plastic Bag & Rolling Pin. You’ll need this to crush the digestive biscuits into a fine crumb for the crust. A food processor is quick but if you don’t have one, you can throw the biscuits into a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mixing Bowl – For combining your filling ingredients.
- Whisk – To beat the egg yolks and mix the filling together.
- Pie Dish – A 9-inch pie dish is perfect for this recipe. You want enough space to fit all that luscious filling.
- Electric Whisk or Hand Whisk. For whipping the double cream to a soft, airy texture for the topping.
- Zester/Grater – For zesting those limes.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie
Making this pie is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:
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Prepare The Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a food processor, blitz the digestive biscuits until they resemble fine crumbs. If you’re using a rolling pin, pop the biscuits in a sealed plastic bag and crush away until you have a crumbly texture.
Next, mix the biscuit crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar. Press this mixture into the base of your pie dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
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Make The Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and condensed milk until smooth. The condensed milk adds such a creamy, sweet foundation to the filling.
Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and zest the limes directly into the mix. Give everything a good whisk until well combined. This is the magic step where that beautiful tartness comes through, balancing the sweetness of the condensed milk.
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Assemble The Pie
Pour the lime mixture into your cooled crust. Smooth it out to ensure an even layer. Bake the pie for about 15 minutes at 160°C (320°F). The filling should set but still have a little wiggle when you move it.
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Make The Topping
Whisk the double cream with icing sugar until soft peaks form. You want the cream light and fluffy, not too stiff.
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Finish The Pie
Once the pie is cool (it needs to be fully chilled in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight), top it with the whipped cream. You can either spread it evenly or pipe it into decorative swirls. Add a few more lime zest shavings for that pop of green and you’re ready to serve!
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie taught me a lot about the beauty of simplicity in cooking. The most surprising thing? How something with so few ingredients could come together into such a rich and satisfying dessert. The lime filling, despite being just a few ingredients, delivers the perfect balance of tart and sweet. something I had never experienced with other key lime pies before.
I also learned the importance of using fresh lime juice and zest. The freshness of the limes makes all the difference. Store-bought lime juice just doesn’t cut it here, so make sure you’re squeezing those limes yourself.
One of the best parts of this recipe was how straightforward it was. No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed. just a few basic ingredients, a little bit of patience while it chills and you’ve got an incredible pie.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie
Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie is already a solid recipe but sometimes you want to make it your own, right? Here are some ways to tweak it and really make the dish your own.
Crust Variations
The traditional graham cracker crust is a classic for a reason but what if you want something a little different? You could swap the graham crackers for something like digestive biscuits or even crushed-up shortbread cookies for a richer, buttery flavor. If you’re after a more tropical vibe, try using coconut biscuits for the crust. this adds a hint of coconut flavor that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the lime.
Another fun idea: Make it gluten-free! Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free biscuits or even almond flour mixed with coconut flour. It’ll give you that crunch while keeping things light.
Filling Tweaks
If you want the filling a bit richer, add some mascarpone cheese along with the cream cheese for a smoother texture. It’ll make the pie super creamy and you won’t lose the tangy lime kick. Want a more pronounced lime flavor? Increase the lime zest or add some lime juice to the filling itself.
A hint of vanilla in the filling can also give it a subtle, warm sweetness that balances the tart lime perfectly. For a more exotic twist, try a dash of coconut milk in the filling. it’ll give you a tropical vibe without overpowering the pie’s signature lime flavor.
Topping Ideas
The whipped cream topping is simple and great but there’s always room for a twist. You could infuse the cream with a little bit of honey or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Or, instead of whipped cream, you can use a meringue topping. This gives a crispy contrast to the creamy filling and brings a bit of elegance to the pie.
You can also top it off with something more fun and visual-sprinkle lime zest on top for a burst of color or even add some toasted coconut flakes for texture.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing the pie correctly is key to maintaining its freshness.
Refrigeration
Since Key Lime Pie has dairy in the filling, it should always be kept in the fridge. Ideally, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the filling from drying out and keeps that creamy texture intact.
How Long Does It Last?
In the fridge, your Key Lime Pie will last about 3 to 4 days. After that, the crust might start to lose its crispiness and get a bit soggy, so it’s best to enjoy it within those first few days.
Freezing For Longer Storage
You can freeze leftovers if you don’t think you’ll finish them in time. Make sure to wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. The texture may change slightly after freezing but it’ll still taste delicious!
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie?
Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie is already an indulgent treat but pairing it with the right foods can elevate the whole meal. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:
A Light Salad
A fresh, crisp salad can balance out the richness of the pie. Try a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a mixed green salad with avocado. The acidity in the dressing complements the tart lime filling and the freshness of the greens gives your palate a break from the sweetness of the pie.
Grilled Meats
Grilled fish or chicken with a citrus-based marinade would pair wonderfully with the tartness of the pie. The smoky, savory flavors of the grilled meats create a nice contrast to the creamy, tangy sweetness of the Key Lime Pie.
Tropical Fruits
For an extra tropical twist, serve some fresh mango or pineapple slices on the side. You could even make a fruit salad with coconut, papaya and kiwi for a vibrant, colorful plate that matches the pie’s flavors.
Drinks To Pair With
If you’re looking for beverages to pair with the pie, go for something light and refreshing. A cold, crisp glass of white wine or a light sparkling wine can work wonders. If you want something non-alcoholic, try iced tea with a hint of lime or a fresh cucumber-lime mocktail to enhance the citrus notes.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie Different From Others?
Jamie’s version is known for its fresh, zesty flavor and a buttery, crumbly base that really holds up. He also uses condensed milk for the perfect creamy texture.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie Ahead Of Time?
Yes! In fact, it’s better when it’s chilled for a few hours or overnight, so you can make it a day before serving.
Do I Need To Use Fresh Limes For Jamie Oliver’s Key Lime Pie?
While fresh limes are ideal for the best flavor, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. But fresh limes will give that extra zing!
