Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie

Caribbean Recipe: Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie with Unsweetened Chocolate and Sweetened Condensed Milk

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie is a refreshing and tangy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This pie is a delicious combination of zesty lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and fluffy whipped cream all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. The addition of cocoa sprinkled on top adds a hint of bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the pie.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Linda's family. It is a traditional Puerto Rican dessert that is often served at family gatherings and celebrations. The combination of tart lime juice and creamy sweetened condensed milk is a classic flavor profile in Puerto Rican cuisine.

Ingredients

1 pie crust (regular, not graham cracker)
finely shredded unsweetened chocolate squares or cocoa, to sprinkle across top of finished pie (optional)

Filling

7 – 8 juicy limes (1.5 inch in diameter)
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can sweetened condensed milk
1 pt (473 ml) whipping cream (for lower fat option, use non-dairy whipped topping in place of whipping cream)
1 tsp vanilla

How to prepare

Prick the bottom of the pie shell to prevent a dome from forming.
Bake the pie crust until it turns golden brown.
Allow the pie crust to cool.
Meanwhile, squeeze the juice from 7 or 8 limes and remove the seeds.
Whip 0.5 pt (237 ml) of cream with the vanilla and add it to the sweetened condensed milk in a medium-sized bowl.
Gently mix the ingredients together.
Add the lime juice and stir gently until fully combined.
Refrigerate the mixture for 2 hours.
Once the crust has completely cooled, pour the filling into it.
If desired, whip more cream and cover the top of the pie with a thin layer.
Sprinkle bitter shredded chocolate or cocoa on top, if desired.
Keep the pie refrigerated until ready to serve.
For added texture and flavor, you can roll pecan chips into the unbaked crust a few times.
Many people enjoy the added texture and flavor of the pecans.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try using key limes instead of regular limes for a more intense flavor.
You can also experiment with different types of crusts, such as a chocolate cookie crust or a coconut crust.
Add a splash of rum to the filling mixture for a boozy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to prick the bottom of the pie crust before baking to prevent it from puffing up.

- Make sure to fully cool the pie crust before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.

- For a more intense lime flavor, you can add the zest of one or two limes to the filling mixture.

- To make the whipped cream topping extra fluffy, chill the mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer before whipping the cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with a slice of lime or a sprinkle of cocoa for an extra touch of elegance.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to gently fold in the lime juice to the filling mixture to prevent the cream from deflating.

- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies for the crust.

- You can substitute the whipping cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version of the pie.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pie crust and filling ahead of time and assemble the pie just before serving. Keep the pie refrigerated until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

For a beautiful presentation, garnish the pie with lime slices and a sprinkle of cocoa. Serve on a decorative platter for a stunning dessert centerpiece.

Pairing Recommendations

Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie pairs well with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine. The tangy lime flavor complements the richness of the pie perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the pie to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie is a good source of Vitamin C due to the high content of lime juice in the filling.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (whipping cream) and gluten (graham cracker crust), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fats and carbohydrates. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie is a delightful dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its tangy lime flavor and creamy texture, this pie is a perfect ending to any meal. Enjoy a slice of this refreshing pie on a hot summer day or as a sweet treat any time of year.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie. The story of how I came to learn this delicious dessert recipe is one that always brings a smile to my face.

It all started when I was visiting my friend Linda in Puerto Rico. Linda and I had been friends for many years, and she was always the one to introduce me to new and exciting dishes from her homeland. On this particular visit, she invited me over for dinner at her home, and I was thrilled at the opportunity to taste some authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.

As soon as I walked into Linda's kitchen, I could smell the delicious aromas of her cooking. She was busy preparing a traditional Puerto Rican meal, and I couldn't wait to see what she had in store for dessert. As we sat down to eat, Linda brought out a stunning lime pie that looked almost too beautiful to eat. The pie was a vibrant green color, with a graham cracker crust and a dollop of whipped cream on top.

I took my first bite of the pie, and it was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The tangy lime filling was perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the crust, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dessert for myself. Linda saw the look of delight on my face and smiled, knowing that she had once again introduced me to a culinary masterpiece.

After dinner, Linda graciously shared her recipe for the Puerto Rican Lime Pie with me. She explained that the key to the pie's unique flavor was the use of fresh limes and sweetened condensed milk, which gave the filling a creamy texture and a burst of citrusy goodness. I listened intently as she walked me through the steps of making the pie, from preparing the crust to whipping up the filling and baking it to perfection.

As I followed Linda's instructions and made the pie for the first time in my own kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The pie turned out just as delicious as Linda's, and I knew that I had found a new favorite dessert to add to my repertoire of recipes.

Over the years, I have made Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie for countless family gatherings and dinner parties. Each time I serve the pie, it never fails to impress my guests with its zesty flavor and creamy texture. I always make sure to give credit to Linda for teaching me the recipe, as it has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

As I write this story, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships that have enriched my life and introduced me to new and exciting culinary experiences. Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie is not just a dessert recipe to me, but a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food and good company with the ones we love.

So the next time you're looking for a delicious and refreshing dessert to serve to your family and friends, give Linda's Puerto Rican Lime Pie a try. I guarantee that it will become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. And remember, the best recipes are those that are shared with love and generosity, just like the one that Linda shared with me all those years ago.