If youâre looking for a refreshing and indulgent dessert thatâs easy to make and perfect for summer, you canât go wrong with Mary Berryâs key lime pie. This zesty treat has a buttery biscuit base, a creamy lime filling, and a whipped cream topping. Itâs one of the most popular recipes from the legendary British baker and TV personality, who is known for her simple and reliable baking methods.
In this article, Iâll show you how to make Mary Berryâs key lime pie from scratch, using only a few ingredients and some basic equipment. Iâll also share some tips and tricks to make your pie even more delicious and impressive. Whether youâre a beginner or an expert baker, youâll find this recipe easy to follow and fun to make.
What is Key Lime Pie?
Key lime pie is a classic American dessert that originated in the Florida Keys, where key limes are grown. Key limes are smaller, more acidic, and more aromatic than regular limes, and they give the pie its distinctive flavor and color. The pie is traditionally made with a graham cracker crust, a condensed milk and lime juice filling, and a meringue topping. However, there are many variations of the recipe, and some people prefer to use a whipped cream topping instead of meringue.
What is Mary BerryKey Lime Pie
Mary Berryâs version of key lime pie is based on the British adaptation of the dessert, which uses oatmeal biscuits for the crust, and adds some lime zest and double cream to the filling. She also uses regular limes instead of key limes, as they are more widely available and cheaper. However, if you can find key limes, you can use them instead for a more authentic flavor.
Why Youâll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love Mary Berryâs key lime pie recipe, but here are some of the main ones:
- It is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
- It has a refreshing and tangy lime flavor that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk and cream.
- It has a crunchy and buttery biscuit base that complements the smooth and creamy filling.
- It is a perfect dessert for summer or any occasion.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary BerryKey Lime Pie
To make Mary Berryâs key lime pie, youâll need the following ingredients:
For the base:
- 150g digestive biscuits
- 65g butter
- 25g demerara sugar
For the filling:
- Grated rind of 1 large lime
- Juice of 4 large limes
- 397g can condensed milk
- 450ml double cream
For the topping:
- 150ml double cream
- 1 tbsp icing sugar
- Extra lime zest, to decorate
Equipment Youâll Need
To make Mary Berryâs key lime pie, youâll need the following equipment:
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or grater
- Juicer
- 9-inch pie dish
- Piping bag (optional)
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Key Lime Pie
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment you need, youâre ready to make Mary Berryâs key lime pie.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and grease the tin
First, you need to preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4, which is about 350°F/320°F fan. This will ensure that your crust will bake evenly and quickly. Next, you need to grease your tart tin with some butter or cooking spray and line the base with some parchment paper. This will prevent your crust from sticking to the tin and make it easier to remove later.
Step 2: Make the crust
To make the crust, you need to crush the biscuits into fine crumbs, using a food processor, a blender, or a plastic bag and a rolling pin. Then, you need to transfer the crumbs to a medium-sized saucepan and add the butter and the demera sugar. You need to melt the butter over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is well combined and moistened. Then, you need to press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the greased tin, using the back of a spoon or your fingers. You need to make sure the crust is even and compact, and that there are no gaps or holes. Then, you need to bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until golden and firm. Then, you need to let the crust cool slightly on a wire rack, while you make the filling.
Step 3: Make the filling
To make the filling, you need to whisk the egg yolks with an electric whisk for a minute, until pale and fluffy. Then, you need to add the condensed milk and whisk for another minute, until well combined. Then, you need to add the lime juice and the lime zest and whisk for another minute, until thick and smooth. Then, you need to add 300 milliliters of the cream and whisk for another minute, until light and airy. You should end up with a thick and creamy filling that has a pale green color and a zesty aroma.
Step 4: Fill the pie
To fill the pie, you need to pour the filling over the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula or a knife. You need to make sure the filling covers the crust completely, and that there are no air bubbles or gaps. Then, you need to refrigerate the pie for at least four hours, or overnight, until the filling is set and firm.
Step 5: Make the topping
To make the topping, you need to whip the remaining 150 milliliters of cream with the icing sugar, using an electric whisk, until soft peaks form. You donât want to overwhip the cream, as it will become grainy and lose its shape. Then, you need to transfer the whipped cream to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle, and pipe rosettes or swirls around the edge of the pie, or over the entire surface, depending on your preference. You can also use a spoon or a spatula to dollop the whipped cream on the pie if you donât have a piping bag and a nozzle.
Step 6: Serve the pie
To serve the pie, you need to remove it from the tin and place it on a serving plate or a cake stand. You can garnish the pie with some more lime zest, some lime slices, or some fresh mint leaves if you like. You can cut the pie into slices, and serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. You can store the leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or in the freezer for up to a month.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Key Lime Pie?
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream â provides moisture and cuts tartness
- Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries â a pop of color and fruit flavor
- Lime slices or lime zest â extra lime punch
- Mint leaves â fresh accent and aroma
Pro Tips for Perfect Mary Berry Key Lime Pie:
- Toast oatmeal biscuit crumbs for 10-15 minutes to crisp them up before mixing the crust
- Add 1 tsp gelatin to the filling to help it set up firmly and provide cleaner slices
- Chill pie for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, so filling sets completely
- When topping with whipped cream, pipe decoratively or add stabilizers so it holds shape
- Garnish with lime slices, lime zest, berries, or mint leaves for a pop of color
Variations for Mary Berry Key Lime Pie:
Lemon-Lime Pie
- Use both lemon and lime juice/zest for a more complex citrus flavor
Coconut Key Lime Pie
- Add coconut extract and toasted coconut flakes to the crust or whipped cream
Swirled Key Lime Pie
- Swirl caramel, chocolate ganache, or raspberry sauce on top before serving
Frozen Key Lime Pie
- Freeze slices, then blend into lime cream pops or milkshakes
How do I store Mary Berry Key Lime Pie Leftovers?:
- You can store the leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Label and date the pie before freezing.
- To thaw the frozen pie, transfer it to the fridge and let it defrost overnight. Do not thaw the pie at room temperature, as this may cause the filling to become runny.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Key Lime Pie Leftovers?
- You do not need to reheat the pie, as it is best served cold or at room temperature.
- If you prefer a warm pie, you can microwave a slice for 10 to 15 seconds, or until slightly warm. Do not overheat the pie, as this may affect the texture and flavor of the filling.
Nutrition value per serving:
- Calories: 695 kcal
- Fat: 50.8 g
- Saturates: 27.8 g
- Carbs: 51 g
- Sugars: 37.4 g
- Fiber: 2.1 g
- Protein: 8.8 g
- Salt: 0.8 g
Other Pie Recipes to Try
- Chicken and Leek Pie Jamie Oliver
- Mary Berry Banoffee Pie
- Mary Berry Chicken and Leek Pie
- Delia Smith Cheese And Onion Pie
- Mary Berry Cheese And Onion Pie
- Mary Berry Chicken and Leek Pie
- Mary Berry Choux Pastry
- Mary Berry Chicken and Mushroom Pie
- Mary Berry Suet Pastry
FAQs
What is the difference between key lime pie and lime pie?
Key lime pie is a type of lime pie that uses key limes, which are smaller, more acidic, and more aromatic than regular limes. Key limes also have a thinner rind and more seeds than regular limes. Key lime pie has a more intense and tart flavor than lime pie, which can use any kind of lime juice.
How do I know when my key lime pie is done?
You can tell when your key lime pie is done by checking the surface of the filling. It should be slightly wobbly, but not runny or liquid. You can also insert a knife or a toothpick in the center of the pie and see if it comes out clean. If it does, your pie is ready.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
You can substitute an equal amount of evaporated milk combined with sugar. Add 1/2 cup sugar to 1 14oz can evaporated milk.
What can I use if I donât have lime juice?
Lemon juice can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for the lime juice. The flavor will be a bit different but still tasty.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, regular Persian limes can be used. You may need a touch more lime juice and zest since regular limes are less tart.
Do I need to bake the pie crust before adding filling?
No, the crust bakes fully once you add the filling. Just be sure to chill it well so the filling sets up.
- Related: Mary Berry Meringue
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
Chill the assembled pie for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the filling to completely set. This helps get clean slices.
Final Words
Mary Berryâs key lime pie is a delicious and easy dessert that you can make at home, with only a few ingredients and some basic equipment. It has a buttery biscuit crust, a creamy lime filling, and a whipped cream topping, that create a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, and a contrast of textures. Itâs a perfect dessert for summer, as itâs cool and refreshing, but itâs also great for winter, as itâs indulgent and comforting. Itâs a versatile dessert that you can serve for any occasion, and impress your family and friends.
I hope you enjoyed this article, and learned how to make Mary Berryâs key lime pie from scratch. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please let me know. Iâd love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and happy baking!
