Classic recipe
A baked 9-inch pie: graham crust, four yolks, one can of condensed milk, and Key lime juice. Written so you can actually cook from it.
See the recipeThis site is a small, ad-free hub: the day’s date, an honest look at where the pie comes from, a classic recipe written from scratch, and a practical gear guide. If you want the pie in drink form, there is a frozen Key lime pie shake on Margaritaville Machine Recipes.
Where the pie comes from Classic recipe Key limes, juice, and tools FAQ
The short version
The filling people mean when they say “key lime pie” is Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. The crust is often graham cracker and butter now; older Key West recipes more often used a pastry shell. Toppings have included nothing, whipped cream, or meringue for a long time.
September 26 is the date on the popular food-day calendar. It is not a federal holiday. Bake the pie whenever the limes — or a good bottle of Key lime juice — are in the kitchen.
Gear and limes
Key limes versus the ordinary grocery-store lime, when bottled juice is a fair substitute, and a short tool list.
Open the guideThe origin story
Key West tradition, condensed milk, and a real debate about how early the pie can be documented.
Read the background