If you’re a fan of those tangy, refreshing flavors that scream sunshine and summer, then the Baked Key Lime Pie Pudding Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This delightful dessert captures everything you love about classic key lime pie but with a wonderfully smooth, custardy twist that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s creamy, citrusy, and just the right amount of sweet, making it perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Key Lime Pie Pudding Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, creating a balance of tartness, creaminess, and texture that really brings the dish to life. Gather these straightforward essentials and get ready to whip up something truly special.
- 3/4 cup fresh key lime juice: The star of the show, providing that authentic tart and zesty citrus flavor.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: Adds richness and sweetness that perfectly balances the lime’s acidity.
- 3 large eggs: These give the pudding structure and a silky texture once baked.
- 1 tablespoon lime zest: For an extra burst of lime aroma and flavor throughout the pudding.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Just enough to hold everything together without weighing down the lightness.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds depth and a slight buttery undertone for richness.
- Whipped cream for topping (optional): The perfect creamy contrast to the tangy pudding when you serve it.
How to Make Baked Key Lime Pie Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s perfectly hot for baking. Grease a 9-inch baking dish — a well-greased pan helps the pudding come out cleanly and develop a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Key Lime Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, lime zest, and flour. This combination creates your pudding’s foundation, melding tangy, sweet, and smooth elements into one luscious mixture.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Stir in the melted butter until the batter is fully combined. This step enriches the pudding’s flavor and gives it a subtle, velvety mouthfeel that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and place it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a top that’s golden brown and a center that’s set—meaning it jiggles slightly but isn’t liquidy. This baking time lets the pudding firm up while maintaining its creamy texture.
Step 5: Cool It Down
Once baked, let the pudding cool for about 15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors develop and makes it easier to serve those perfect slices without worry.
Step 6: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Just before serving, top the pudding with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra lime zest if you desire. The whipped cream adds a light, fluffy contrast while the zest boosts that citrus perfume.
How to Serve Baked Key Lime Pie Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A simple swirl of fresh whipped cream and extra lime zest are classic garnishes that elevate the look and taste of this pudding. For an added touch, a few thin slices of key lime or a sprig of fresh mint will bring brightness and freshness to the plate.
Side Dishes
This pudding stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp berry salad or a handful of toasted coconut flakes. These complement the tartness without competing with the dessert’s delicate flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pudding in individual ramekins or clear glass jars for a charming rustic feel. You can also layer the pudding with crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a deconstructed key lime pie effect that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some leftover Baked Key Lime Pie Pudding Recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every bit of this creamy delight.
Freezing
While this pudding is best fresh, it can be frozen. Pour it into a freezer-safe container and cover well to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Texture may soften slightly but the flavor remains vibrant.
Reheating
If you prefer your pudding warm, gently reheat it in a microwave-safe dish at medium power in 20-second intervals, stirring gently in between. Be careful not to overheat or the eggs might scramble. It’s equally delicious served chilled too!
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Absolutely! While key lime juice offers a unique flavor, regular lime juice works in a pinch and will still give you that fresh, citrusy punch you’re after in the Baked Key Lime Pie Pudding Recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a coconut-based condensed milk alternative and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The pudding will still be delightful and packed with flavor.
Can this pudding be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This swap won’t affect the texture significantly and keeps the pudding safe for those avoiding gluten.
How can I tell when the pudding is done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and gently shake the pan; the center should have a slight jiggle but not be liquid. This indicates it has set perfectly without being overcooked.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can mix all the ingredients up to a day in advance and keep the batter covered in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring into your baking dish and baking as usual.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Baked Key Lime Pie Pudding Recipe enough for anyone who loves a dessert that is easy to make but delivers big on flavor. It’s a cozy, tangy treat that feels special without a ton of fuss. So go ahead, grab those key limes, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure joy. You’ll thank me later!
Print
Baked Key Lime Pie Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Key Lime Pie Pudding is a luscious and tangy dessert that combines the tartness of fresh key lime juice with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and eggs. Baked to perfection with a golden top and a smooth, custard-like center, this pudding offers all the flavors of classic key lime pie in a simple, comforting dish. Perfect for a refreshing treat, it can be served warm or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and extra lime zest for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Key Lime Pudding
- 3/4 cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Topping (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Additional lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together fresh key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, lime zest, and flour until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
- Add Melted Butter: Stir in the melted butter thoroughly, making sure it is fully incorporated into the batter for richness and moisture.
- Pour into Dish: Transfer the pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake the Pudding: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly, indicating a custard-like texture.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool for 15 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly and enhance flavors.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Optionally, top with whipped cream and additional lime zest for extra creaminess and citrus aroma before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice for the best authentic flavor; bottled lime juice can alter the taste.
- Do not overbake the pudding to avoid a dry texture; the center should be set but still a bit soft.
- Allow the pudding to cool adequately before serving for clean slices or spoonfuls.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature according to preference.
- Adding additional lime zest on top enhances the citrus flavor and adds a decorative touch.
