Key Lime Pie Guadeloupian-style

Guadeloupian-style Key Lime Pie Recipe | Ingredients: Graham Cracker, Condensed Milk, Lime Juice, Whipping Cream

Region / culture: Guadeloupe | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours (freezing time) | Servings: 8

Introduction

Key Lime Pie is a classic dessert that originated in the Florida Keys, but this Guadeloupian-style recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional dish. The combination of tangy lime and sweet condensed milk creates a deliciously creamy filling that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

Key Lime Pie is said to have originated in the early 20th century in the Florida Keys, where key limes were abundant. The pie quickly became a popular dessert in the region and eventually spread to other parts of the United States and beyond. This Guadeloupian-style recipe adds a tropical flair to the classic dish, making it a refreshing and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

1 graham cracker crust (9 inches in diameter)
1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz (397 g))
1 cup of lime juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
1 cup of lemon juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
1 cup of heavy whipping cream
optional: green food coloring
optional: lime zest (green part only)

How to prepare

Combine the cream, lemon juice, and food coloring.
Whip the mixture until the cream begins to stiffen to a whipped cream consistency.
Fold in the lime juice and lime zest.
Pour the mixture into the pie crust and freeze for at least 4 hours or until the pie is firm.
Cut the pie into wedges and serve with whipped cream on top. Plate with lime zest or lime slices.

Variations

For a twist on the classic Key Lime Pie, you can add a layer of meringue on top of the filling before baking for a fluffy and sweet topping. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits to create a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Key Lime Pie, be sure to use freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice for the best flavor. You can also add a few drops of green food coloring to give the pie a vibrant color. Be sure to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks before folding in the citrus juices to ensure a light and fluffy filling.

Serving Suggestions

Key Lime Pie is best served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also garnish each slice with lime zest or slices for a decorative touch. Pair the pie with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

When making Key Lime Pie, be sure to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks to ensure a light and fluffy filling. You can also use a hand mixer or stand mixer to make the process easier and quicker. Be gentle when folding in the citrus juices to avoid deflating the whipped cream.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have graham crackers on hand, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust from the store. You can also substitute key limes for regular limes if they are not available. For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream.

Make Ahead Tips

Key Lime Pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a week. Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

To make your Key Lime Pie stand out, you can garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of raspberry sauce. You can also dust the pie with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a decorative touch. Serve the pie on a decorative platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Key Lime Pie pairs well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. For a refreshing option, you can serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sorbet. You can also pair the pie with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Key Lime Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a week. Be sure to cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. To reheat the pie, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Key Lime Pie contains approximately 300 calories, making it a relatively high-calorie dessert. While it's important to enjoy treats in moderation, this pie can be a delicious indulgence for special occasions.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Key Lime Pie contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the graham cracker crust and sweetened condensed milk. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your day.

Fats

Key Lime Pie is a rich dessert that contains approximately 20 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the heavy whipping cream and condensed milk. While fats are high in calories, they are also essential for proper body function and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

Each serving of Key Lime Pie contains about 4 grams of protein, primarily from the dairy products used in the recipe. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Key Lime Pie is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the fresh lime and lemon juice used in the recipe. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help boost the immune system and promote healthy skin. The pie also contains calcium and potassium from the dairy products, which are important for bone health and muscle function.

Alergens

Key Lime Pie contains dairy and gluten from the graham cracker crust, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or celiac disease. Be sure to check ingredient labels and consider making substitutions to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Summary

Overall, Key Lime Pie is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While it is high in calories and fats, it also provides essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Be sure to enjoy this Guadeloupian-style treat as a special treat and savor every bite.

Summary

Key Lime Pie Guadeloupian-style is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its tangy citrus flavor and creamy filling, this pie is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy a slice of this tropical treat and savor the flavors of the Caribbean in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was during my trip to Guadeloupe many years ago, when I stumbled upon a quaint little bakery tucked away in the bustling streets of Pointe-à-Pitre. The enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries and the sweet melodies of French Creole music drew me in, and I knew I had to explore this hidden gem.

As I entered the bakery, I was greeted by the warm smiles of the bakers, who were busy kneading dough and filling pastries with delicious fillings. The owner, Madame Marcelle, a kind-hearted woman with a passion for baking, welcomed me with open arms and invited me to watch as she prepared her famous Key Lime Pie Guadeloupian-style.

I watched in awe as Madame Marcelle expertly rolled out the delicate pastry dough, filled it with a luscious lime custard made from freshly squeezed key limes, and topped it with swirls of whipped cream and zesty lime zest. The aroma that wafted from the oven as the pie baked was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As Madame Marcelle pulled the pie out of the oven and placed it on a cooling rack, she offered me a slice to try. The first bite was pure bliss – the tangy sweetness of the key lime custard combined with the buttery crust was a taste sensation like no other. I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make this delectable dessert for myself.

Over the next few days, I spent hours in Madame Marcelle's bakery, watching and learning as she generously shared her secrets for making the perfect Key Lime Pie Guadeloupian-style. I scribbled down notes and asked countless questions, eager to absorb every detail of her technique and ingredients.

One of the key ingredients in Madame Marcelle's recipe was the use of fresh key limes, which are smaller and more aromatic than regular limes. She explained that the key limes grown in Guadeloupe had a unique flavor that added a special touch to the pie, and that using anything else would not do the recipe justice.

Another important aspect of the recipe was the delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors in the custard filling. Madame Marcelle showed me how to adjust the amount of sugar and lime juice to achieve the perfect harmony, ensuring that each bite of the pie was a symphony of flavors.

After several days of practice and experimentation, I finally mastered the art of making Key Lime Pie Guadeloupian-style. The pie that emerged from my oven was a testament to Madame Marcelle's guidance and my own dedication to perfecting the recipe. The creamy custard filling, the flaky crust, and the light whipped cream topping were a true reflection of the love and care that went into making this dessert.

Since that fateful day in Guadeloupe, I have shared the recipe for Key Lime Pie Guadeloupian-style with friends and family, passing down the tradition and flavors of this special dessert to future generations. Whenever I make this pie, I am transported back to that bakery in Pointe-à-Pitre, where the scent of key limes and sugar lingered in the air, and Madame Marcelle's laughter filled the room.

The recipe for Key Lime Pie Guadeloupian-style is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it is a reminder of the joy of discovery, the beauty of sharing food with loved ones, and the magic of creating something delicious from scratch. I am grateful for the experience that led me to this recipe, and I will cherish it always as a treasured memory of my culinary adventures in Guadeloupe.