SANDRA'S MINI KEY LIME PIES

 

Yields: 5 Mini Pies [5 (8-oz./1-cup size) Ramekins]

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake Crust: 8 Mins.

Bake Filled Pies: 8 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1-1/2 tablespoons salted butter melted

Filling:

1 (14 oz. can) sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup sour cream

1/3 cup key lime juice (or lime juice)

1 key lime zested (or a regular lime zested)

1 large egg yolk, beaten

Whipping cream:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350F. Place 5 ramekins on a baking sheet; set aside. Place a medium glass bowl in the refrigerator to chill for whipped cream preparation.

For the crust, place the butter and sugar in a small glass bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Add the graham cracker crumbs and mix to combine. Spoon the crust mixture equally amongst the 5 ramekins and press to form crust-like bottoms.  Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the filling by zesting the lime (divide in half, as you'll use 1/2 for the filling and the other 1/2 for garnishing the pies).  In a 4-cup glass measure, add the lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, beaten egg yolk, and 1/2 the lime zest; whisk to combine until smooth.

Once the crust are baked, pour the filling equally on top of the crusts in the 5 ramekins; bake for 8 minutes. Remove from oven to a baking rack and let mini pies cool for 30 minutes.

Once cooled, place in refrigerator, uncovered, for 3 hours to fully set and for flavors to meld.

Meanwhile, prepare the whipped cream in the prepared chilled bowl and whip until peaks form, add the vanilla extract and confectioners' sugar; whip to incorporate until it reaches the stiff-peak stage. Place, covered, in the refrigerator until pies are ready to serve (along with the remaining lime zest for garnish).

After 3 hours, remove the pies, top with whipped cream, sprinkle each pie equally with the remaining lime zest. ~ Enjoy!

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Tip: If you are not going to serve all of them after the 3-hour refrigeration time, please cover any remaining pies with plastic wrap and feel free to store up to 5 days.