Description
Delight in these classic Key Lime Pie Tartlets, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a tangy and creamy key lime custard. Topped optionally with whipped cream and a touch of lime zest, these mini desserts are perfect for summer gatherings or any citrus craving.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
For topping (optional):
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Lime zest or lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms and sides of a greased 12-cup muffin tin or mini tart pans to form small tart crusts. Bake in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Make filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and lime zest until the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous.
- Fill tart shells: Pour the prepared filling evenly into each pre-baked tart shell, distributing evenly among all 12. Return to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the centers are just set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Once baked, let the tartlets cool on a wire rack at room temperature. After they have cooled, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to fully firm up and develop flavor.
- Optional topping: To make the whipped cream topping, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Before serving, top each tartlet with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with lime zest or a small lime wedge for an added fresh touch.
Notes
- You can use pre-made mini tart shells to save time on crust preparation.
- Store the tartlets covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Ensure not to overbake the filling to keep it creamy and smooth.
- Fresh key lime juice enhances the authentic flavor, but bottled juice works well too.
