This is actually a combination of 3 recipes, 2 from the internet & 1 from a friend that I combined into one recipe. So simple, no mess. Just allow a minimum of 2 hours refrigeration time. I always keep the ingredients on hand.
1-8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1-14 oz. can SWEETENED CONDENSED milk (Not evaporated milk)
1-8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 graham cracker crust (from store or make your own)
1/2-3/4 cup REAL key lime juice, per taste (see note)
In a medium size bowl, whip cream cheese till fluffy, about 1 1/2- 2 minutes. Add SWEETENED CONDENSED milk & continue whipping with a mixer for another 1 1/2- 2 min. or until very light & fluffy (depends on type of mixer using, I use a simple hand mixer for this). Add lime juice & mix just till incorporated, then beat in thawed whipped topping. Pour into pie shell, send to the frig. for 2 hrs or up to 3 days. Cut & serve. If desired, top with real whipped cream (or canned squirt stuff), & grate some fresh lime zest over the top…or even thinly slice some lime to add.
This pie also freezes very well & becomes an ice cream pie, it’s incredible.
Haven’t tried this yet, but am thinking of doubling everything & preparing it in a springform pan & serving as a torte. This recipe takes a total of 6 min. from start to frig & all you need is a bowl, mixer, measuring cup for the lime juice, & a spatula to scrape the bowl.
***Key Lime Juice…Here in Wisconsin it’s found in the juice aisle at the grocery store & is sold under the title of Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice. I’ve heard from others that it might be sold under a different name & label, (I’m not promoting any certain brand but it is the only in our area) depending on where you live. Just be sure you buy actual KEY LIME JUICE & not another labeled as lime juice concentrate. Here, the bottle costs about $2.60 & has enough to make 3 or 4 pies, depending on how strong a flavor you want in your pie.
This recipe has gone from here to Illinois, to Colorado, & on to Florida, so that should say something about how good it is. It’s so simple & so perfect for this time of the year. Would also work well after a heavy winter meal as it’s so refreshing. Hope you try it!