Looking for the best key lime pie in Key West? You’re in for a treat (literally). Key lime pie isn’t just a dessert in the Florida Keys; it’s practically a way of life. From traditional recipes dating back to the late 1800s to Instagram-worthy slices topped with mile-high meringue, Key West is the ultimate destination for key lime pie lovers.
Whether this is your first time visiting or you’re a true key lime pie aficionado, this guide will take you through the history of this famous dessert, what makes a real key lime pie, and where to find the best slices (and maybe even a whole pie) in Key West.
A Brief History of Key Lime Pie
Did you know there’s some controversy surrounding the origins of Key Lime Pie? While the debate continues, most believe it was created right in Key West in the late 1800s. Legend says Aunt Sally, a cook at the historic Curry Mansion on Elizabeth Street, whipped up the first key lime pie using what little she had available at the time.
Fun fact: Back then, refrigeration wasn’t common, and fresh milk was nearly impossible to find. That’s why the classic pie relies on sweetened condensed milk. Mix that with real key lime juice (never Persian limes!), egg yolks, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, and you have the iconic sweet-tart filling we know and love today.
True key lime pie isn’t lime green or overly sweet. It’s pale yellow, thanks to those egg yolks, and flavored with the zest and juice of small, tart key limes. And it’s always the real deal when freshly whipped cream or soft peaks of meringue sit on top.
What Makes a True Key Lime Pie?
If you’re on the hunt for “the one,” here’s what to look for in a traditional key lime pie:
- Real Key Lime Juice: Made from real key limes, not key lime concentrate or some suspicious green substitute.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The “secret ingredient” and the backbone of authentic key lime pie.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Crunchy, buttery, and oh-so-perfect for pairing with that creamy, sweet-tart filling.
- Egg Yolks: Give the pie its signature silky texture and pale yellow hue (not lime green!).
- Toppings: Team whipped cream or team meringue? It’s a hot debate. Some places even skip the topping, serving the pie as is.
Now that you’re primed and ready to spot the best, let’s talk about where to find these dreamy slices in Key West.
The Best Places for Key Lime Pie in Key West
1. Blue Heaven
Perhaps the most famous key lime pie spot in Key West, Blue Heaven serves up slices with mile-high meringue in an unbeatable outdoor dining setting. Enjoy your pie with live music and maybe even a few chickens roaming around. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for that Instagram-worthy shot (and the flavor).
2. Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop
You can’t miss Kermit waving his signature green pie outside this iconic shop on Greene Street! Kermit’s offers everything from key lime pie bars to chocolates and even key lime-flavored jelly beans. But the real star? Their frozen slice of key lime pie dipped in chocolate and served on a stick. Bonus points for the beautiful garden seating out back.
3. Key West Key Lime Pie Company
Want to make your own pie? This shop doesn’t just sell slices and whole pies; they also offer pie-making classes. Learn the old recipe secrets, and then take your freshly baked pie home. It’s a fun, hands-on experience perfect for foodies.
4. Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar
If you’re craving a unique key lime treat off the beaten path, head to Stock Island. Matt’s offers a decadent key lime bread pudding alongside their signature key lime martini. Pair it with some snapper for a fantastic meal with a twist.
5. Tart Tales Key Lime Pie Walking Tour
Why settle for one slice when you can try them all? Join this guided foodie tour through Old Town Key West and sample the top key lime pies while learning about the island’s rich history. It’s a dream for pie lovers and a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
6. Green Turtle Inn in Key Largo
Heading up the Overseas Highway? Make a pit stop in Key Largo at the Green Turtle Inn. Their tangy, sweet-tart filling paired with a deep-dish pie pan presentation makes for a slice you won’t forget.
The Key Lime Pie Debate
Now for the ultimate question among pie enthusiasts: Team Whipped Cream or Team Meringue? Some swear by the fluffy, creamy texture of whipped cream, while others prefer the soft peaks of a perfectly beaten meringue.
Why Key Lime Pie is Worth the Hype
There’s a good reason key lime pie is a signature dessert in the Florida Keys. It’s more than just a slice of pie; it’s a bite of history, tradition, and local flavor. For visitors to Key West, trying key lime pie is as essential as visiting Ernest Hemingway’s house or walking down Duval Street.
And next time you’re at a local grocery store or craving dessert after dinner, think about ordering the real deal online from a key lime pie bakery like Kermit’s or recreating an island-inspired version at home.
Try Making One at Home!
Feeling inspired? Why not bake a pie yourself? Key Lime Pie is surprisingly easy to make. Just grab real key lime juice (yes, some cocktail sections stock it), egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and lime zest. Pour it all into a deep-dish pie pan with your graham cracker crust (or experiment with shortbread!), whisk it until smooth, and bake pie perfection in minutes.
And if you’re more about eating than baking, many Key West locations (like Kermit’s) will happily ship a whole pie right to your doorstep!
Plan Your Key Lime Adventure in the Florida Keys
From Blue Heaven’s towering meringue to Kermit’s frozen treats, Key West is a paradise for pie lovers. Whether you’re there to wander Old Town, explore unique key lime pie flavors, or relax with live music after dessert, the Florida Keys’ culinary scene is a sweet escape you won’t forget.
