Key lime pie is a classic dessert that offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. Originating from the Florida Keys, this pie has become a favorite for its refreshing citrus punch and creamy texture. We love how this WW Key Lime Pie recipe lets us enjoy all the deliciousness without the guilt.
Ingredients
To create our WW Key Lime Pie that perfectly balances tangy and creamy flavors without the guilt, we carefully select each ingredient. Here is what we need to make the crust, filling, and topping.
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (choose low-fat or whole-grain for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (to add just a touch of sweetness)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (helps bind the crumbs firmly)
For the Filling
- 1 can (14 ounces) light sweetened condensed milk (key for creamy sweetness)
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice (freshly squeezed for authentic tang)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest (grated finely to enhance citrus depth)
- 3 large egg yolks (room temperature for smooth texture)
For the Topping
- ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt (adds creaminess with fewer points)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (to lightly sweeten the topping)
- Lime slices and zest (optional, for garnish and visual appeal)
| Ingredient Group | Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crust | Graham cracker crumbs | 1 ½ cups | Base texture and flavor |
| Crust | Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons | Mild sweetness |
| Crust | Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons | Binding agent |
| Filling | Light sweetened condensed milk | 14 ounces (1 can) | Creamy base |
| Filling | Fresh key lime juice | ½ cup | Tart citrus flavor |
| Filling | Key lime zest | 1 tablespoon | Enhances lime aroma |
| Filling | Egg yolks | 3 large | Richness and thickening |
| Topping | Nonfat Greek yogurt | ½ cup | Light creamy topping |
| Topping | Powdered sugar | 2 tablespoons | Sweetens topping |
| Topping | Lime slices & zest (optional) | As needed | Garnish |
By using these thoughtfully selected ingredients, we ensure our WW Key Lime Pie delivers the refreshing citrus punch and creamy texture we love, all within Weight Watchers-friendly points.
Equipment Needed
To successfully prepare our Ww Key Lime Pie Recipe, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool ensures precise measurements, perfect texture, and efficient preparation without compromising the lighter nature of this dessert.
Essential Tools and Utensils
- 9-inch pie dish: We recommend a glass or ceramic dish for even baking and ease of slicing.
- Mixing bowls: Use at least two, one large for combining ingredients and one smaller for whisking.
- Electric mixer or handheld whisk: This helps achieve the ideal creamy consistency when mixing the filling and yogurt.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients such as graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, and key lime juice is critical.
- Citrus juicer: Fresh key lime juice is the foundation of our pie’s bold tartness. A manual or electric juicer allows us to extract the juice efficiently.
- Spatula: Use for folding ingredients gently to maintain the filling’s smooth texture.
Optional But Helpful Equipment
- Food processor: For finely crushing graham crackers if not pre-crumbled.
- Parchment paper: Placed under the crust during baking to prevent sticking.
- Cooling rack: Enables even cooling of the pie before chilling in the refrigerator.
| Equipment | Purpose | Why It Matters for WW Key Lime Pie |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch pie dish | Holds the pie base and filling | Ensures consistent shape and baking |
| Mixing bowls | Mixing ingredients | Prevents cross contamination |
| Electric mixer | Whipping filling smooth | Achieves creamy light texture |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Portion accuracy | Keeps recipe WW-friendly |
| Citrus juicer | Extracts fresh juice | Preserves bright, fresh lime flavor |
| Spatula | Folding and smoothing | Maintains texture without overmixing |
By gathering these essential tools, we guarantee a seamless cooking experience and a beautifully textured Weight Watchers Key Lime Pie that tastes as refreshing as it looks.
Preparation
We will walk through each step to create our WW Key Lime Pie starting with the crust, moving to the filling, and finishing with the topping. Precise methods ensure a perfectly balanced texture and flavor while keeping this dessert light and delicious.
Preparing the Crust
- Combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons of melted light butter in a medium bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, creating a smooth, compact layer.
- To set the crust, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 8-10 minutes or until it turns a light golden brown.
- Remove and allow the crust to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the filling.
Preparing the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Light Sweetened Condensed Milk | 1 can (14 ounces) |
| Fresh Key Lime Juice | 1/2 cup (about 30-35 limes) |
| Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt | 1 cup |
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Ensure the mixture has no lumps and maintains a pale green tint from the lime juice.
- Pour the filling carefully into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to firmly set and develop its tangy flavor.
Preparing the Topping
- For a light, fluffy topping, whip together:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
- Beat the ingredients with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, ensuring the topping is airy without being overly stiff.
- Gently spread the topping over the chilled pie or pipe decorative peaks using a pastry bag for a polished look.
- Optionally, garnish with thin strips of lime zest or fresh lime slices for an extra burst of citrus aroma and color contrast.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to create our delicious WW Key Lime Pie that balances tangy zest with creamy smoothness. Each stage ensures the perfect texture and flavor.
Making the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 5 tablespoons melted light butter.
- Stir until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake for 8 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow the crust to cool completely to set firmly.
Making the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Light sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Fresh key lime juice | 1/2 cup (about 10-12 limes) |
| Nonfat Greek yogurt | 1 cup |
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes to achieve a silky texture.
Assembling the Pie
- Pour the prepared filling evenly into the cooled crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Prepare the topping by combining:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Nonfat Greek yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
- Whip the topping until light and fluffy.
- Spread the topping gently over the set filling.
- Garnish with lime zest or thin lime slices for a fresh visual and flavor boost.
Chilling and Setting
- Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow filling to fully set.
- Serve cold to enjoy the refreshing tang and creamy texture characteristic of the classic WW Key Lime Pie.
Serving Suggestions
To fully enjoy our WW Key Lime Pie, we recommend serving it chilled straight from the refrigerator. The cool temperature enhances the pie’s refreshing citrus flavor and creamy texture. For a visually appealing presentation, garnish each slice with a thin lime wheel or a sprinkle of fresh lime zest.
Pairing the pie with complementary flavors can elevate the dessert experience. Consider these options:
- Fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries provide a burst of natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the key lime.
- A dollop of light whipped cream or extra whipped nonfat Greek yogurt topping adds an airy richness.
- For an added crunch, sprinkle lightly toasted crushed graham crackers or slivered almonds on top.
When serving multiple guests, cut the pie into 8 even slices to maintain uniformity. Using a hot, wet knife prevents sticking and helps keep clean edges.
| Serving Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Chill Pie Before Serving | At least 4 hours or overnight for firm texture |
| Garnish Options | Lime zest, lime wheels, fresh berries, whipped cream |
| Slice Cut Size | 8 equal slices for consistent servings |
| Knife Prep | Dip knife in hot water and dry before slicing |
For those enjoying this Weight Watchers friendly dessert, we suggest pairing it with a light beverage like unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with a lime wedge to complement the pie’s citrus notes without adding extra calories.
By following these suggestions, we can serve our WW Key Lime Pie in a way that highlights its fresh tang and creamy comfort—making every bite as delightful as the first.
Storage Tips
To keep our WW Key Lime Pie tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Follow these guidelines to maintain the pie’s creamy texture and vibrant citrus flavor.
- Refrigeration: Always store the pie in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors. The pie will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days when refrigerated.
- Freezing: If we want to store the pie longer, freezing is an option. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality. Thaw frozen pie overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Avoid Room Temperature Storage: Because of the dairy and citrus content, leaving the pie at room temperature is unsafe beyond 2 hours. Keep the pie chilled to preserve its texture and safety.
| Storage Method | Duration | Storage Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3 to 4 days | Cover tightly with plastic wrap or use airtight container |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Wrap with plastic wrap and foil, thaw overnight in refrigerator |
| Room Temperature | Not recommended | Dairy content requires refrigeration |
Pro Tip: Use a sharp, hot knife dipped in warm water for slicing after storage. This ensures clean, smooth slices without damaging the creamy filling.
By following these Storage Tips we can enjoy our WW Key Lime Pie at its best — fresh, creamy, and bursting with tangy lime flavor whenever we’re ready for a slice.
Conclusion
This WW Key Lime Pie recipe proves that enjoying a classic dessert doesn’t have to derail our healthy eating goals. With carefully chosen ingredients and simple steps, we can savor that perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors guilt-free.
By having the right tools and following the preparation and storage tips, making this pie becomes an easy and rewarding experience. Whether for a special occasion or a refreshing treat, this pie fits seamlessly into our lifestyle.
Let’s keep delighting in desserts that taste amazing and support our wellness journey. This key lime pie is definitely one to keep in our recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is key lime pie?
Key lime pie is a classic dessert originating from the Florida Keys, known for its tart and sweet citrus flavor combined with a creamy texture.
How does the Weight Watchers version differ?
The WW version uses lighter ingredients like nonfat Greek yogurt and light sweetened condensed milk to reduce calories while maintaining the signature tangy and creamy taste.
What ingredients are needed for the WW Key Lime Pie?
You’ll need graham cracker crumbs, light butter, light sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, nonfat Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
What equipment is essential for making this pie?
A 9-inch pie dish, mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups, and a citrus juicer are key for accuracy and proper texture.
How is the crust prepared?
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted light butter, press into the pie dish, and bake until golden brown before cooling.
How do you make the filling?
Whisk together light sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and nonfat Greek yogurt until smooth, then pour the mixture into the baked crust and refrigerate.
What is recommended for the topping?
Whip nonfat Greek yogurt with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, spread over the pie, and optionally garnish with lime zest or slices.
How should the pie be served?
Serve chilled, garnished with lime wheels or zest, and pair with fresh berries, light whipped cream, or toasted graham crackers for added flavor and texture.
How to cut the pie for clean slices?
Use a hot, wet knife to slice the pie into 8 equal portions for neat, clean edges.
What are the best storage practices?
Refrigerate the pie covered tightly for 3-4 days or freeze it wrapped properly to avoid freezer burn; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can the pie be stored at room temperature?
No, due to its dairy and citrus content, the pie should not be stored at room temperature to prevent spoilage.