The Green Turtle Inn Mm 812
The Green Turtle, a long time Islamorada landmark, is a restaurant where turtle soup and steaks were legendary before the endangered species was banned from commercial fishing. Still a well-known island hangout, the Green Turtle has a key lime pie that we consider a chefs special on the fancier side. The macadamia nut crust is covered with a denser style filling topped with coconut whipped cream, berry syrup, and sprinkled with fruit.
Key Lime Pie In Key West
1. Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven is considered one of the best key lime pies in the Florida Keys. Or should I say, the best key lime pie in Key West? It is definitely popular and loved with reason.
Their key lime pie comes piled high with lightly sweet meringue thats perfectly toasted on top and basically a work of art. Usually, Im not a fan of meringue, but I made an exception for this pie.
The graham cracker crust is buttery and crumbly. Pairs well with the key lime pie filling with its light and airy filling that has a subtle tartness and is not overly sweet.
We originally got to have a slice at Blue Heavens at their sister restaurant Salute! On the Beach. They serve Blue Heavens key lime pie. So, if you cant make it to Blue Heaven or the wait time is busy, but all you want is their key lime pie, head over to Salute! We had a fantastic lunch here when were first visited Key West as well as the infamous pie.
Blue Heaven | 729 Thomas St, Key West, FL 33040 | Website
2. Sunset Pier
Have a delicious slice of key lime pie with a view.
The Sunset Pier is a great spot for drinks and a bite at any time of day. Its colorful, its casual and more importantly, it has a great view of the ocean. What I didnt expect to find here was a fantastic slice of key lime pie.
The slice they serve is simple and even elegant if it wasnt on a paper plate. But, the pie itself had the texture of a light cheesecake with a subtleness of key lime.
3. The Cafe Key West
Why Is Key West Famous For Key Lime Pie
It is believed that this famous pie originated from the southernmost Florida Key, Key West. The juice in Key Lime Pie comes from Key Lime trees. In remote Key West, refrigeration was hard to come by. So people would use condensed milk instead of milk. This sparked the start of the idea of using this ingredient to make Key Lime Pie. Today the Key Lime Pie tradition continues. There are so many amazing restaurants in Key West to pick up a great Key Lime Pie.
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History Of Key Lime Pie
Depending on who you ask, the history and origin of Key Lime Pie varies. It does however seem unanimous that the dessert originated in Key West. Many establishments and locals claim that their delicious Key Lime Pie recipe is the authentic one.
A lot of people believe Aunt Sally made the first ever Key Lime Pie. She was the cook of ship salvaging millionaire William Curry during the 19th century. She apparently took the recipe from a fisherman and perfected the pie we know today. William Curry built a luxurious mansion in 1855, that you can stay in today. The Curry Mansion Inn claims to be the original makers of Key Lime Pie.
The most essential ingredient in this dessert is of course real Key Limes. The Key Lime tree probably came to the Florida Keys during the 1500s from Malaysia. Though commercial Key Lime production was popular during the 1800s, today its not common. Key Lime trees are only really found in backyards and used by locals to make this delightful pie.
So What Makes A Good Key Lime Pie
Well, obviously thats subjective. But what Ive learned is that Im a purist. First, the filling has to be a perfect balance of tart and sweet, with the lime flavor really punching through. I like a custard-y texture, rather than something more solid, cheesecake-like, or whipped.
Then, I want a graham cracker crust that is buttery and a little sweet, with a bit of crumble to it. And personally I dont love piling on meringue or whipped cream or whateverit actually detracts, rather than enhances.
Ive found my perfect homemade version as well, if youre interested in giving it a try!
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Key Lime Pie In Key Largo
6. Mrs. Macs Kitchen
This is the last key lime pie we had before leaving Key West. Mrs. Macs Kitchen delivers one of the creamiest pies youll probably have, but also one that will have you puckering your lips. The tartness and sweetness of this one is delicious. You can absolutely taste the key lime in this one.
I love that this pie has what feels like a top custard layer when you cut into it. Its smooth on your tongue until that citrusy flavor of the key lime cut through.
If youre not a fan of meringue, youll love that this one is topped with homemade whip cream.
This was by far hubbys favorite of all the key lime pies in the Florida Keys.
Mrs. Macs Kitchen | 99336 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037 | Website
Now, its time to find for you to find the best Key Lime pie in the Florida Keys. Which one will you try first?
What is your favorite Key Lime pie in the Florida Keys?
Ranking The Best Key Lime Pie In The Florida Keys
Rather than a true linear ranking , Ive grouped them into broad buckets. I do think that Blond Giraffe ended up as my #1, but without eating them all side-by-side it was a little hard to say for sure. Heres the list, and then I go into detail on each below.
- Cream of the crop
Ive plotted all of these on a map so you can get a sense of where everything is. Green are the cream of the crop, orange are middle of the pack, and blue are eh. Heres a link you can use to pull up the map yourself as well.
Where to base yourself in the Keys: I spent a few nights at the amazing Grassy Flats Resort, and HIGHLY recommend it! You can see my super detailed review here. In Key West I spent one night at the Kimpton Ellas Cottages and one night at H2O Suitesloved the latter for a bit of a splurge stay .
Other Florida Keys adventures!
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History Of Key Lime Pie In The Florida Keys
If you want a fun research project, try to dig up the actual history of key lime pie. Locals in the Florida Keys will tell you that its been a staple in Key West since the 1850s, but then sources on the internet want to date the official version of key lime pie like we know today to the 1930s. Ive got the full scoop and ultimately, what I think is the most accurate history based on my own research in person and through online sources.
Basically, key limes have been readily available in Florida since the 1500s when the Spanish first brought them in. They grow well and a single bush or tree makes A LOT of limes each year. We have one here at our house in Saint Augustine and it never stops producing. Down in the keys, until the Overseas Highway was completed, they mostly only had canned milk available, including sweet and condensed milk . They also have a lot of chickens producing lots of eggs. And those are the ingredients of key lime pie: all historically common and available in Key West.
Kermits Key West Key Lime Shoppe Key West
The pie at Kermits Key Lime Shop in Key West has garnered national attention with spots on Food Networks Americas Best Sweets and Pie Paradise. Cooked up by Kermit Carpenter, who has been using his grandmothers recipe for over 25 years, his Key lime pie has a clean, refreshing taste. Carpenter, decked out in his trademark green toque, even showed TV host Al Roker how to make a Key lime pie live on the Today Show. People flock to the Elizabeth Street store to try their specialty: Key lime pie slices dipped in a dark Belgian chocolate and frozen on a stick. Since the chocolate is not too sweet, it provides a nice contrast to the pucker-inducing pie. The store also features more than 125 products made with Key limes from cookies to soaps. Spend some time at the tasting station sampling sauces and jams like Chipotle Key Lime Barbecue Sauce or Key Lime Jalapeno Pepper Jelly.
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Kermits Key Lime Pie Shop Key West
Kermits Key Lime Pie Shop, owned by Kermit Carpenter, is a Key West institution. He is known to stand outside his brightly painted yellow and green store throwing pies at people for fun. His pies are light, fluffy, and creamy. The recipe is heavy on the egg yolks, which makes it very light. He tries to source fresh key limes from throughout the state and while the crust is not homemade, the whipped cream is. He also features key lime pie on a stick dipped in chocolate.
Key West Key Lime Pie Company
Photo Credit:
511 Greene Street, Key West, FL 33040
When it’s in the name, you really better be able to master it… and Key West Key Lime Pie Company does not disappoint! Choose from traditional or extra tart key lime pie or maybe try the frozen chocolate-dipped key lime bar. Guests can even participate in an on-site pie-making class to go behind-the-scenes and make your own mini key lime pie with the pros! Their pies and treats can also be shipped anywhere within the United States.
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Where Is The Best Key Lime Pie In Key West
The best Key Lime Pie in Key West is a hotly contested issue. Locals simply cant agree who has the best pies, with many having their own regular go-to Key Lime Pie haunts. One of the most popular places to enjoy a slice is Kermits. Their sweet but bitter pie is the perfect sugar fix. Check out our best Key West Key Lime Pie spots and choose your favorite.
Your Key Lime Pie: Tips
- We suppose we dont need to say this but we will just say it: Fresh is better. For ingredients, use key limes if you can get them, otherwise use fresh limes, but many use bottled juice, or in a pinch, a combination of key limes and limes. If you like your pie tart, fresh is the way to go.
- Also, homemade is better especially the crust. But if you dont have time, dont fret, its the filling that really makes the difference.
- One tip we learned on our sampling tour, by increasing the egg yolks or juice, makes the pie lighter. But, it is all about personal preference.
- Use the zest from the limes it will make the pie tarter.
- A hand press works best for squeezing the limes.
- Use a glass pan, not aluminum. Key limes react to aluminum.
So whats the best key lime pie we have ever tasted? We humbly tell you that it is the one the original creator of AuthenticFlorida.com, Robin Draper, makes. She has perfected it and its simply delicious. Its homemade, light, and very tart. Whats the secret? Try it and youll find out! Heres the link:
We would love to hear how you make your key lime pie. How about sharing your recipe? If you have a good one, we may make it and feature it on our website or our . Post it in the comments below or email it to us:
Wed also love to know where is your favorite place to get key lime pie, especially if we didnt cover that establishment in this article.
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The Florida Key Lime Pie Company
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Whether you are a local or just visiting the Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Titusville or Cocoa Village area we invite you to experience the newest attraction and one of the most fun things to do in Cocoa Beach.
Come treat yourself to what we at The Florida Key Lime Pie Company simply put offer as Floridas BEST Key Lime Pie and Gourmet Tropical Cheesecakes available in the Sunshine State!
Thinking Outside The Lime
Homemade Key Lime Pie Snickerdoodle Cookies
Take your taste buds on a tour! Join us at The Florida Key Lime Pie Company every day for a tasting of our newest and most exciting wines at our retail store, located at 102 Dixie Lane next to Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach
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Burdines Waterfront Bar & Grill
So, we saved the most interesting and creative iteration for last! Burdines Waterfront Bar & Grill offers traditional Key Lime Pie, but that not the reason they made our list.
Their second version is why they have some of the best Key Lime Pie in Key West! Picture a perfectly fried chimichanga, but instead of a savory flavor you get a Key Lime Pie filling that is almost like ice cream.
They take a tortilla and wrap it around frozen Key Lime Pie, then they flash fry it and immediately top it with cinnamon sugar! Let us tell you, this is what Key Lime Pie dreams are made of!!
Burdines is located directly on the water and offers a full bar and grill menu with fresh burgers, seafood, and more. Located close to Sombrero Beach, Keys Art Glass Stained Glass Studio, and Salt Seekers Water Sports Equipment Rentals.
Well, we hope you have enjoyed learning a little bit about Key West, the origin of Key Lime Pie, and where to get all of the best Key Lime Pie in Key West! We have had so much fun touring all of these amazing places and we cannot wait to hear which one is your favorite. One last suggestionorder dessert first!!
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