This chilled, creamy pie is basically summer in dessert form—the kind of cool, tangy treat that begs you to grab a fork and cannonball right in. A splash of lime slices and a sprinkle of zest curls make it as pretty as it is refreshing.
Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.
Stir together graham cracker crumbs, next 2 ingredients, and 1/2 cup toasted pecans until blended. Press crumb mixture on bottom, up sides, and onto the lip of a lightly greased 10-inch deep-dish pie plate.
Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven to a wire rack, and cool completely (about 45 minutes).
Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup toasted pecans over bottom of crust; drizzle caramel topping over pecans.
Pie Filling
Whisk together sweetened condensed milk and next 3 ingredients. Gently pour into prepared crust.
Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until almost set. (The center will not be firm but will set up as it chills.) Cool completely on a wire rack (about 1 hour). Cover and chill 4 hours.
Beat whipping cream at high speed with an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add powdered sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Dollop or spread over chilled pie.
Notes
Pan: A 9-inch pie plate is used for this recipe.
Key Lime Juice: If you cannot get fresh key limes, use bottled key lime juice for this pie. The recommended brand is Nellie & Joe’s (available at most grocery stores).
Key Lime Zest: If you cannot get fresh key limes, you can substitute regular lime zest.
Make-Ahead: This pie can be made up to 2 days in advance. Wait to top with whipped cream until the day you serve it.
How to Store the Pie: Refrigerate the pie, loosely covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions: Place the entire pie, uncovered, in the freezer until completely frozen. Wrap well in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil (or place in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag), and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content may vary depending on the brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and other factors.