Key Lime Pie may be topped with meringue (as it is here)
or with whipped cream. If you’d prefer the latter, make
adaptations according to the variation for Cream-Topped Cream Pie . If you have key limes—
chances are you will not—by all means use them; but
normal limes are fine.
Prebake the crust
and start the filling while the crust is
in the oven. When the crust is done, leave the oven at
350 F and cool the crust slightly on a rack.
Beat the egg yolks just until combined. Beat in the
condensed milk, then the lime juice, a little at a time; the
mixture will thicken. Put the pie plate on a baking sheet.
Pour the filling into the warm crust and bake until the
filling is just firm, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and cool on
a rack for about 10 minutes.
Make the meringue: Beat the egg whites with salt
until foamy. Keep beating, gradually adding the confectioners’
sugar, until the mixture is shiny and holds fairly
stiff peaks.
Cover the pie with the meringue, making sure the
meringue comes into contact with the edges of the crust.
Note that the meringue will hold its shape, so you can
make peaks and swirls if you like. Bake until the
meringue is lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool on
a rack, then refrigerate; serve cool.