A Tart Tradition Worth Celebrating
Every year, National Key Lime Pie Day reminds us why this dessert has earned its place as a summer classic. At Sun Cookery, we believe desserts are more than just sweet endings—they’re conversation starters, memory makers, and the perfect excuse to gather friends around the table.
For Michelle Mize, Sun Cookery’s founder, Key Lime Pie isn’t just another recipe. It’s part of her story. A graduate of Kendall College’s Culinary Program, she once owned a Key Lime Pie business in Florida and has been perfecting this recipe ever since.
Michelle’s Key Lime Pie Philosophy: ‘It’s not for the faint of tart!”
Most recipes call for half a cup of lime juice—and often suggest that regular lime juice can work just as well. Michelle says absolutely not.
“It’s not a Key Lime Pie if it isn’t tart. And if it isn’t made with Key Lime juice, it’s just a lime pie.”
That’s why her version doubles the punch. By using a full one cup of fresh squeezed key lime juice OR (if you can’t find key limes) Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice, her pie delivers that bold, mouth-puckering flavor Florida is famous for.
The Recipe: Authentic Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice (no substitutes!)
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust (p.s. Michelle makes a homemade graham cracker crust to die for–but for hosting in a pinch–grab a premade one!)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Beat together the egg yolks until smooth and thick.
- Add sweetened condensed milk, mixing until smooth.
- Add the full cup of Key Lime juice and mix with a whisk until the pie filling thickens up again.
- Pour into the graham cracker crust.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate overnight—or freeze for a firmer, extra-refreshing slice.
Serving Tip: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a wedge of key lime (if you have one) for a simple garnish that makes each slice look guest-ready.
Hosting with Key Lime Pie
At Sun Cookery, every recipe is designed with gathering in mind. Key Lime Pie is no exception. Whether you’re serving a whole pie at the table or mini pies (like Michelle’s signature size), this dessert makes hosting effortless.
- For Casual Gatherings: Slice the pie ahead of time, place on dessert plates, and add a dollop of whipped cream. Guests can grab and mingle.
- For Dinner Parties: Serve minis for a personal touch—no slicing required. They look beautiful on a tray and invite conversation.
Because it’s best served cold, Key Lime Pie doubles as a make-ahead dessert—giving you more time to focus on your guests and less time fussing in the kitchen.
Michelle’s Hosting Tip
When in a hurry, Michelle tucks her pies straight into the freezer. The result? A perfectly chilled, firm slice that’s easy to plate and keeps its shape when serving a crowd.
“Hosting should feel joyful, not stressful. Key Lime Pie is the dessert that lets you relax and still wow your guests with a taste of Old Florida. And if they don’t like a tart dessert–that’s okay–the point is to get together and plan your next vacation to the Sunshine State!”
From Our Kitchen to Yours
National Key Lime Pie Day is the perfect reason to gather friends, pour something bubbly, and share a dessert that tastes like sunshine. Michelle’s version delivers the tart punch that makes it unforgettable—and proves once again that every great gathering deserves a signature dish.
💚 From my table to yours,
Michelle Mize, Sun Cookery
