This delightful key lime yogurt pie combines the tangy flavor of key limes with the creamy texture of yogurt and cream cheese, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. It's a refreshing dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Some ingredients in this recipe may not be commonly found in every household. You might need to visit the supermarket for key lime juice, less fat cream cheese, and gelatin. Key lime juice offers a distinct tartness that is essential for this pie, while gelatin helps set the filling. Be sure to check the dairy aisle for less fat cream cheese to keep the dessert light yet creamy.
Ingredients for Key Lime Yogurt Pie
graham crackers: Used to create the base crust, providing a sweet and crunchy foundation for the pie.
cold whipped butter: Helps bind the graham crackers together to form a cohesive crust.
sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the filling, balancing the tartness of the lime.
gelatin: A setting agent that stabilizes the filling, giving it a firm but creamy texture.
key lime juice: The star ingredient, providing the pie's signature tangy and refreshing flavor.
less fat cream cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling while keeping it lighter than traditional cream cheese.
stonyfield plain yogurt: Contributes to the creamy texture and introduces a subtle tang that complements the key lime.
lime zest: Enhances the lime flavor and adds a fragrant citrus aroma.
key lime slices: Optional garnish that adds visual appeal and an extra pop of lime flavor.
whipped cream: Optional topping that adds a light, airy sweetness to contrast with the tart pie.
One reader, Justinian Parker says:
This key lime yogurt pie is a delightful treat! The tangy lime flavor perfectly balances the creamy filling, and the graham cracker crust adds a wonderful crunch. It's easy to make and a hit at gatherings. Highly recommend for a refreshing dessert!
Techniques Required for Making Key Lime Yogurt Pie
How to pulse in a food processor: Place the ingredients in the food processor and use the pulse function to mix them until they reach the desired texture. How to press crust into a pie dish: Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to evenly press the crust mixture into the pie dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. How to dissolve gelatin: Combine gelatin with a small amount of liquid, then warm the remaining liquid and mix it with the gelatin until fully dissolved. How to use a hand mixer: Use the hand mixer to blend ingredients until they are smooth and fully incorporated. How to chill a pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator for the specified amount of time to allow it to set properly.
How To Make Key Lime Yogurt Pie
This yogurt pie recipe marries the goodness of key lime pie and key lime cheesecake. It has a yogurt-cream cheese filling with some tart lime juice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6graham crackers
- 3tbspcold whipped butter
- 2tbspsugar
- 1½tspgelatin
- ½cupkey lime juice,fresh squeezed or bottled
- 6ozless fat cream cheese
- 1cupStonyfield plain yogurt,0% fat
- ½cupsugar
- 1tbsplime zest,grated
- key lime slices,optional, for garnish
- whipped cream,optional, for garnish
Instructions
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Place graham crackers, butter and sugar into a food processor and pulse a few times.
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Add 1 tablespoon water and pulse a few more times until it has a texture of coarse meal.
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Press into an 8-inch pie dish making the crust about ⅛-inch thick evenly all around and up the sides.
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Refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent crumbling.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are golden.
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Remove from the oven and let the crust cool on a wire rack, before filling.
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In a small bowl combine 2 tablespoons of the lime juice with the gelatin and stir.
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Warm the remaining 6 tablespoons of key lime juice for 30 to 45 seconds in the microwave and quickly mix well to dissolve the gelatin.
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In a large bowl with a hand mixer combine the cream cheese, yogurt, sugar and lime zest. Mix well, then add in the key lime juice and mix well, until fully incorporated, then pour into graham cracker crust.
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Chill pie thoroughly for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Garnish with key lime slices and whipped cream, optional, if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 162.62kcal
- Fat: 9.16g
- Saturated Fat: 5.10g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.33g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.71g
- Carbohydrates: 19.05g
- Fiber: 0.53g
- Sugar: 13.85g
- Protein: 2.39g
- Cholesterol: 25.88mg
- Sodium: 94.69mg
- Calcium: 49.49mg
- Potassium: 83.95mg
- Iron: 0.39mg
- Vitamin A: 82.03µg
- Vitamin C: 5.81mg
Mastering the Perfect Crust for Key Lime Yogurt Pie
To ensure a smooth and creamy filling, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the yogurt and sugar. This will help prevent lumps and create a more uniform texture in your key lime yogurt pie.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Key Lime Yogurt Pie
Use a pre-made crust: Save time by using a store-bought graham cracker crust instead of making one from scratch.
Microwave the lime juice: Warm the key lime juice in the microwave to dissolve the gelatin quickly.
Soften the cream cheese: Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
Chill overnight: Prepare the pie the night before and let it chill overnight for a firmer texture.
Use an electric mixer: Speed up the mixing process by using an electric mixer for the filling.
Substitute Ingredients For Key Lime Yogurt Pie Recipe
graham crackers - Substitute with digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and slightly sweet flavor that works well for the crust.
cold whipped butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil solidifies when cold and can help bind the crust similarly to butter.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can be used in the same quantity.
gelatin - Substitute with agar-agar: Agar-agar is a plant-based gelling agent that works similarly to gelatin.
key lime juice - Substitute with regular lime juice: Regular lime juice has a similar tartness and can be used if key limes are unavailable.
less fat cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor while being lower in fat.
stonyfield plain yogurt - Substitute with vanilla yogurt: Vanilla yogurt adds a subtle sweetness and can be used if plain yogurt is not available.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness and can be used in the same quantity.
lime zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a similar citrusy aroma and flavor.
key lime slices - Substitute with regular lime slices: Regular lime slices can be used for garnish if key limes are not available.
whipped cream - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar light and fluffy texture.
Presentation Tips for a Beautiful Key Lime Yogurt Pie
Create a refined crust base: Ensure the graham cracker crust is evenly pressed and baked to a golden perfection. This will provide a sturdy and flavorful foundation for the pie.
Smooth and creamy filling: Whip the cream cheese and yogurt mixture until it is velvety smooth. This will create a luxurious texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crust.
Elegant lime zest garnish: Finely grate lime zest over the top of the pie, ensuring an even distribution. This adds a pop of color and a burst of citrus aroma.
Chill to perfection: Allow the pie to chill thoroughly for at least an hour. This ensures the gelatin sets properly, giving the pie a firm yet creamy consistency.
Artful lime slices: Thinly slice key limes and arrange them in a circular pattern on top of the pie. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also reinforces the key lime flavor.
Whipped cream rosettes: Pipe small rosettes of whipped cream around the edge of the pie. This adds a touch of elegance and a creamy contrast to the tart filling.
Serve with finesse: Slice the pie with a hot, clean knife for precise cuts. Plate each slice with a small dollop of whipped cream and a single key lime slice for a professional finish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Key Lime Yogurt Pie
Food processor: Used to pulse the graham crackers, butter, and sugar into a coarse meal texture.
Pie dish: An 8-inch dish to press the graham cracker crust into, ensuring it is evenly spread and up the sides.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the crust for 30 minutes to help prevent crumbling before baking.
Oven: Preheated to 375 degrees F to bake the crust until the edges are golden.
Wire rack: Allows the crust to cool evenly after baking.
Small bowl: Used to combine 2 tablespoons of lime juice with the gelatin.
Microwave: Warms the remaining key lime juice to help dissolve the gelatin.
Large bowl: For mixing the cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, and lime zest with a hand mixer.
Hand mixer: Ensures the cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, and lime zest are well combined and smooth.
Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the gelatin, lime juice, and other small quantities.
Measuring cups: For measuring larger quantities like the key lime juice and sugar.
Spatula: Helps to scrape down the sides of the bowl and pour the filling into the graham cracker crust.
Knife: Used to slice key limes for garnish.
Whipped cream dispenser: Optional, for adding whipped cream as a garnish before serving.
Storing and Freezing Key Lime Yogurt Pie for Later Enjoyment
This key lime yogurt pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious!
If you want to freeze the pie, it's best to do so before adding the whipped cream garnish. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the pie with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 1 month.
To thaw the frozen key lime yogurt pie, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can garnish the pie with freshly whipped cream and key lime slices before serving.
If you have any leftover pie slices, you can store them individually in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy a slice of this refreshing dessert whenever the craving strikes!
Fascinating Facts About Key Lime Yogurt Pie
A key lime yogurt pie is a lighter twist on the traditional key lime pie, incorporating yogurt and less fat cream cheese for a healthier dessert option.
Is Making Key Lime Yogurt Pie at Home Cost-Effective?
This key lime yogurt pie recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like graham crackers, cream cheese, and yogurt are affordable and easily available. The use of key lime juice and lime zest adds a refreshing flavor without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD.
Is Key Lime Yogurt Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?
This key lime yogurt pie recipe has some healthy elements, but it also contains ingredients that may not be considered entirely nutritious. The use of less fat cream cheese and plain yogurt provides a good source of protein and calcium while reducing the overall fat content compared to traditional key lime pie recipes. The key lime juice and zest offer a burst of citrus flavor and vitamin C. However, the recipe still includes sugar and butter in the crust, which adds calories and saturated fat.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the graham cracker crust with a nut-based crust using almonds or walnuts, which will provide healthy fats and fiber
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a higher protein content and a creamier texture
- Incorporate more lime zest into the filling to enhance the citrus flavor without adding extra calories
- Top the pie with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or raspberries, for added nutrients and natural sweetness
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutritious version of this key lime yogurt pie while still maintaining its delightful flavor and creamy texture. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying a slice of this pie as an occasional treat can be part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Thoughts on the Delightful Key Lime Yogurt Pie
This key lime yogurt pie recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy and creamy flavors. The graham cracker crust provides a perfect crunchy base, while the combination of cream cheese and yogurt ensures a light yet rich filling. The use of gelatin helps achieve a smooth, firm texture. The lime zest and juice add a refreshing citrus kick, making it an ideal dessert for warm weather. Garnishing with key lime slices and whipped cream enhances both the presentation and taste. Overall, it's a well-rounded, delicious pie that's sure to impress.
Enhance Your Key Lime Yogurt Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Key Lime Yogurt Pie
Appetizer and Main Course Ideas to Complement Key Lime Yogurt Pie
Why trust this Key Lime Yogurt Pie Recipe:
This key lime yogurt pie recipe is a delightful blend of tangy key lime juice and creamy yogurt, balanced perfectly with a homemade graham cracker crust. The use of less fat cream cheese ensures a lighter dessert without compromising on flavor. Each step is carefully crafted to ensure a smooth and delicious pie, from the golden-baked crust to the chilled, zesty filling. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and the use of fresh, quality ingredients that guarantee a refreshing and satisfying dessert.
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