Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (2024)

Desserts, Recipes, Uncategorized | 26 comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Low-Carb Key Lime Pie recipe makes a delicious version of a classic dessert. This pie boasts that delicious sweet-tart flavor we love, but is low-carb, keto, Atkins, LC/HF, gluten-free, and Banting diet friendly.

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links which means we make a small commission from any sales to help keep the recipes coming! You do not pay any more. Thank you for your support!

The recipe

This recipe for Low-Carb Key Lime Pie makes a creamy and tart dessert. The buttery crust is scented with vanilla and is slightly leavened to make a light, flaky pastry.

I lightened the tangy lime custard with whipped cream to give the pie a creamy texture. If you like, you can serve the pie topped with a bit of whipped cream and slices of lime for additional garnish.

The inspiration

My husband’s attachment to key lime pie inspired me to create this recipe for keto key lime pie. My husband spent his teenage years in Florida. In this state, just about every restaurant has key lime pie on their dessert menu. After all, key lime pie is the official state pie of Florida.

Let’s face it, this tart custard pie is a dessert the state should recognize and celebrate. In any case, my husband ate a lot of this Floridian treat in his teens and developed a special place in his heart for the dessert.

Can I use regular limes for key lime pie?

True key lime pie fanatics will tell you that key lime pie should only be made with the juice from key limes. Key limes are tiny citrus fruits that are bursting with lime goodness.

The flavor of key limes surpasses that of regular (Persian) limes in that it is more complex and a bit more tart. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be a bit difficult to find key limes.

When this is the case, I have substituted regular limes without greatly affecting the outcome of this recipe. In fact, I would definitely prefer using fresh squeezed juice of regular limes over bottled key lime juice.

This Low-Carb Key Lime Pie looks and tastes so decadent, it’s hard to believe it’s low-carb. Enjoy!

-Annissa

Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (4)

4.84 from 6 votes

Print

Low-Carb Key Lime Pie

This Low-Carb Key Lime Pie recipe makes a delicious version of a classic dessert. This pie can work for those on a low-carb, Atkins, keto, LC/HF, gluten-free, or Banting diet.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, keto, low-carb

Keyword keto dessert recipe, keto key lime pie, low carb dessert recipe, low carb key lime pie

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

chilling time 5 hours

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 431 kcal

Author Annissa Slusher

Ingredients

For the crust

For the filling

  • 1/2 cup granulated stevia/erythritol blend
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
  • pinch of salt
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest preferably from Key limes
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice preferably from Key limes
  • 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream quantity divided

Optional

  • additional whipped cream and lime slices for garnish

Instructions

For the crust

  1. Preheat oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Spray 9" pie pan with coconut oil.

  2. In a medium bowl whisk the almond flour, granulated sweetener, baking soda, and salt together until combined and no lumps remain.

  3. Stir in vanilla.

  4. Using a pastry blender, cut butter into the almond flour mixture. The end result will appear mealy.

  5. Transfer crust mixture to the prepared pie pan. Press mixture to cover the bottoms and sides of the pan. Flute the top edge of the crust, if desired.

  6. Using a fork, poke holes in the bottom and sides of crust to allow air to escape while it bakes. Bake crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until bottom begins to brown. If necessary, cover the top edges of the crust with strips of foil to prevent them from burning.

  7. Remove crust from oven and allow to cool.

For the filling

  1. Add the granulated sweetener, xanthan gum and salt to a 2 quart saucepan (not over heat) and whisk together.

  2. Whisk in the egg yolks and the lime zest. Very slowly, add the lime juice, constantly whisking, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the pan. Slowly add 1 1/2 cups of cream in the same manner. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. Continue heating until the mixture comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and strain into a heat proof bowl.

  3. Allow mixture to cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then place uncovered in the refrigerator and allow to cool until the mixture is room temperature or a little cooler, about 30 minutes. Do not cool mixture for too long or it might set.

  4. Add the remaining heavy cream to a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

  5. Remove the lime filling mixture from the refrigerator and whisk to make the mixture smooth again as the top of the mixture may have thickened a bit.

  6. Transfer 1/3rd of the whipped cream into the lime filling. Stir to lighten the mixture. Add remaining whipped cream to the filling and fold in gently to keep the mixture as fluffy as possible.

  7. Pour filling into the pie crust, cover, and refrigerate for 4-5 hours before serving.

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/8 of the pie

Per serving:
Calories: 431
Fat (g): 44
Carbs (g): 9
Fiber (g): 4
Protein (g): 6
Net Carbs (g): 5

Nutrition Facts

Low-Carb Key Lime Pie

Amount Per Serving (1 slice (1/8 of the pie))

Calories 431 Calories from Fat 396

% Daily Value*

Fat 44g68%

Carbohydrates 8g3%

Fiber 4g17%

Protein 6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

  1. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (6)

    Bethany at athletic avocado on February 15, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    I’m a big fan of key lime pie! This low-carb version looks sinfully delicious, but I’m glad its full of healthier ingredients!

    Reply

    • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (7)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on February 16, 2017 at 12:31 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply

  2. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (8)

    Becca on March 5, 2017 at 9:14 am

    I was researching Keto vanilla wafers yesterday and came across your site. Made the wafers. My husband and I are so pleased with the result! Fabulous recipe. We’re having a bit of a gray chilly day here in Florida so your cauliflower kale soup is next on the menu! And this pie? You’re upping my Keto game for sure. Thanks for the fabulous recipes!

    Reply

    • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (9)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on March 5, 2017 at 12:35 pm

      Becca,
      Thanks so much for your kind words! The cauliflower kale soup is one of my favorites for a chilly day! Enjoy!
      Annissa

      Reply

      • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (10)

        Becca on March 6, 2017 at 12:59 am

        Just finished the last of the soup. Truly inspired. Can’t wait to try more of your excellent recipes!

        Reply

        • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (11)

          Harper and Annissa Slusher on March 6, 2017 at 12:25 pm

          Becca,
          I’m so glad you liked it!We love that soup as well.
          Annissa

          Reply

  3. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (12)

    Brian on June 18, 2018 at 7:16 am

    I made this yesterday. The flavor is great. I am not sure I let the egg mixture simmer long enough. The texture seems very airy and light to me. How long did you simmer the custard before you let it cool down?

    Reply

    • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (13)

      Harper and Annissa Slusher on June 19, 2018 at 12:40 pm

      Hi Brian,
      The texture of the pie is probably a bit lighter and more airy than other key lime pies. It’s been a little while since I’ve made it, but I don’t think I simmered it long at all. I probably just waited until I was certain it had completely reached a simmer and was bubbling in the center. Hope this helps!
      -Annissa

      Reply

  4. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (14)

    Liz on October 28, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    can you use swerve or xylitol instead as a substitute for your stevia?

    Reply

    • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (15)

      Annissa on October 29, 2018 at 10:21 am

      The stevia/erythritol blend I use is Pyure. You can substitute swerve, but will need to use twice as much as Swerve has the same sweetness as sugar whereas Pyure is twice as sweet as sugar.Good luck!
      -Annissa

      Reply

  5. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (16)

    Karen on March 28, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    My husband loves Key lime pie and this one is high on his list!! So creamy, light and absolutely yummy!!

    Reply

  6. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (17)

    Veena Azmanov on August 18, 2019 at 11:41 pm

    Love the Buttery crust and creamy texture of the Pie. Surely delicious and yum.

    Reply

  7. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (18)

    Traci on August 19, 2019 at 12:24 am

    You had me at “low carb”! And this dessert fulfills every citrus craving I’m having! Great recipe 🙂

    Reply

  8. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (19)

    Natalie on August 19, 2019 at 12:58 am

    I love key lime pie! Looks so delicious and I love it that this recipe is low carb!

    Reply

  9. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (20)

    Jeannette on August 19, 2019 at 1:12 am

    Wow, that key lime pie looks AMAZING! So velvety! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply

  10. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (21)

    Brian Jones on August 19, 2019 at 2:37 am

    What a fantastic dessert, simple to cook and really tasty, thank you!

    Reply

  11. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (22)

    Di on January 8, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    I want to make the key lime filling with NOW brand pure Stevia. Would you tell me how the sugar sub. blend you use transfers to pure Stevia? I’ve searched the net and I can’t seem to get a definite answer.

    Reply

    • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (23)

      Di on January 8, 2020 at 8:37 pm

      I’m looking for the amount of Stevia so use, 1/4 cup seems too much, I was thinking about 1 teaspoon but that may be too much or not enough.
      Thanks,
      Di

      Reply

      • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (24)

        Annissa Slusher on January 9, 2020 at 11:19 am

        Yes, 1/4 cup of pure stevia would be way too much! The sweetener I use is a combination of erythritol and stevia and is twice as sweet as sugar. Many stevia powders have a sweeteness level where 1 teaspoon is equal to one cup sugar. If this is the case with yours, a teaspoon would be about right. The nice thing about stevia is that it dissolves very well. Because of this, I would start with using what might be too little, then, at taste it at the end. At that point, you can add more if you like. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
        -Annissa

        Reply

    • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (25)

      Annissa Slusher on January 9, 2020 at 11:21 am

      I think 1/2 to 1 teaspoon is the way to go. See my reply to your other comment as well.

      Reply

  12. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (26)

    Griffin Weyforth on February 24, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    Very delicious, we loved it. Why does recipe call for straining filling before cooling? Can’t lime zest stay in?
    Also, would it work just as well with a coconut flour crust (we have almond allergies)?

    Reply

    • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (27)

      Annissa Slusher on February 26, 2020 at 10:28 pm

      Griffin,
      You could leave in the lime zest if you prefer. It would work well with a coconut flour crust.
      -Annissa

      Reply

  13. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (28)

    Maria Torres on May 19, 2020 at 12:41 pm

    My husband is allergic to all sugar substitutes except for monk fruit. What would be the amounts if using confectioners or granulated monk fruit? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (29)

      Annissa Slusher on May 20, 2020 at 5:47 pm

      You could substitute monk fruit in this recipe. It sounds like you’re using a monk fruit erythritol blend. If this is the same sweetness as sugar, you will want to use more and maybe even double it. If you’re using pure monk fruit, you’ll want to use much less. If you are using the monk fruit blended with erythritol, you’ll want to use the confectioners as this will dissolve better. Be aware that there may still be a bit of a “grainy” texture when using this much erythritol.

      Reply

  14. Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (30)

    Shannon on April 21, 2021 at 12:10 pm

    I am in the middle of making this … started with another non bake recipe but my avocados weren’t ripe enough …. so used cream cheese instead of whole cream … fingers crossed …will add some cream after filling cools and see how this goes 🙂

    Reply

    • Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (31)

      Annissa Slusher on April 21, 2021 at 2:46 pm

      I hope it works!

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Yummy Low-Carb Key Lime Pie Recipe - Simply So Healthy (2024)

FAQs

How many carbs does a piece of Key lime pie have? ›

Key lime pie (1 piece - single crust - 1/8 of 9" pie) contains 50.6g total carbs, 50g net carbs, 16.4g fat, 8.1g protein, and 380 calories.

What is the difference between Florida Key lime pie and Key lime pie? ›

The main difference is that it requires more aromatic Key lime juice to make the famous pie sing. It is worth the elbow grease to get that authentic floral Key lime flavor—unless you can't find Key limes. Then swap them out for whatever you see at the grocery store and dig in.

What makes Key lime pie thicken? ›

Combining the lime juice with the egg yolks and condensed milk creates a chemical reaction that causes the mixture to thicken all on its own (the acid causes the proteins in the yolks and milk to bond together).

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice for a Key lime pie? ›

Unless you live in the Florida Keys, key limes are near impossible to find. Furthermore, they're so tiny that you'd need to juice at least twenty of them for this recipe. No thank you! Ordinary limes make an exceptional Key lime pie, and they are a much better alternative to bracingly tart bottled Key lime juice.

Can diabetics eat key lime pie? ›

This dessert recipe is a Key Lime Pie lover's dream! Using almond flour instead of the traditional graham crackers for the crust and fresh avocados for creaminess and color, this healthy version is also sugar free! It's a diabetes approved and keto to boot.

Does key lime pie have a lot of sugar? ›

Key Lime Pie: (4.2 oz (119g)) calories 410, calories from fat 250g, total fat 28g, saturated fat 16g, trans fat 0g, cholesterol 180mg, sodium 115mg, total carbohydrate 38g, dietary fiber 0g, sugars 30g, protein 4g, vitamin a 20%, vitamin c 2%, calcium 4%, iron 6%.

Why is Publix Key lime pie so good? ›

Rather, the key to perfecting the Publix key lime pie is a simple ingredient added to the graham cracker crust. It's not the graham crackers themselves that make the crust special, but rather the unique addition of crushed toasted almonds.

What state is known for Key lime pie? ›

Now recognized as an important symbol of Florida, The Florida State Legislature sees key limes as not only an important export, but important in Florida's history. The most pivotal part of the pie is the filling. The “sweet spot” between the tart key lime, and the creamy condensed milk is crucial for the pie's quality.

What is a substitute for Key limes in Key lime pie? ›

There is a slight flavor difference between Persian limes and Key limes. But when baked into a dessert like Key lime blondies, it's hard to tell the difference. So if you can't find Key limes, go ahead and use Persian limes. You'll still wind up with a delicious summer pie.

Why is my Key lime pie weeping? ›

As it turns out, undercooking and overcooking can both cause weeping meringue and unwanted moisture on top of your pie (aka beading). Overcooking meringue causes those little sugary drops of moisture on top of baked meringues.

Why isn t my Key lime pie green? ›

People expected their authentic Key lime pies to be green, matching the bright green lime color of the Persian limes they saw in their grocery stores. Key lime pie filling, however, takes its yellow color from the egg yolks used in its production.

Is bottled lime juice as good as fresh? ›

It tastes nothing like the stuff that comes from bottles. The same goes for lemon and lime juice too. A lot of the flavor is lost to time and pasteurization. You also lose out on the kick the rind can give, too.

What is the best substitute for key lime juice? ›

In general, when substituting the lime and lemon juice mixture for Key lime juice, you should adjust the amount so it is 2 to 3 times less than the amount of Key lime called for in a recipe. In other words, if you need 3 tablespoons Key lime juice, you will use 1 to 2 tablespoons lime and lemon juice mixture.

How many carbs are in a Marie Callender's Key Lime Pie? ›

Marie Callender's Marie Callender's Pies Key Lime (1 serving) contains 45g total carbs, 45g net carbs, 16g fat, 5g protein, and 340 calories.

How many calories in a slice of Marie Callender's Key Lime Pie? ›

Marie Callender's Marie Callender's Pies Key Lime Slice (1 serving) contains 87g total carbs, 86g net carbs, 25g fat, 10g protein, and 620 calories.

How many carbs in key lime pie with graham cracker crust? ›

contains 360 calories per 108 g serving. This serving contains 14 g of fat, 5 g of protein and 53 g of carbohydrate.

How many calories in a bite of key lime pie? ›

Island Pie Shoppe Key Lime Bites (1 bite) contains 7g total carbs, 7g net carbs, 3.5g fat, 0g protein, and 120 calories.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6291

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.