The History Of Key Lime Pie In Key West
There are a few stories going around about the origins of key lime pie. Some say it originates from New York while others say it was derived from the Magic Lemon Cream Pie published on a promotional brochure by Borden, a producer of condensed milk.
The story told in Key West goes all the way back to the 1800s, when Key West sponge fisherman kept limes on board to prevent sickness. The fisherman, called hookers by the locals, would whip up a sweet treat mixing the limes with condensed milk and sometimes adding a wild bird egg. Theyd pour it over stale Cuban bread and leave it out to set in the sun.
The fishermans wives took it a step further and baked it in a pie crust. It was a modest dessert of the working class, up until Sarah Jane Lowe Curry, the daughter-in-law of Floridas first millionaire started serving it. Known as Aunt Sally, she served it to the children visiting her home and it wasnt long until it was served in every restaurant in Key West.
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!!
Key West Key Lime Pies And Cocktails
The birthplace of key lime pie! Key West is a beautiful town full of history and wonderful restaurants. While its easy to explore the historic Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods on foot, some of our favorite key lime pie picks are on the outskirts of town. Key West is easy to do without a car, but if youre driving you can easily make it to a few of these spots. Key lime pie is perfect to enjoy after a trip out to Dry Tortugas National Park or just a day on the water.
As you explore, youll see there are shipping options too, including from the Key Lime Pie Factory and Kermits. You may pay a pretty penny, but if it makes you happy and you think its worth it, go for it!
Mattheessons Key Lime Pie in Key West
Mattheessons key lime pie It was great for being on the go. Baked in thin graham cracker crust instead of a big chunky one, this key lime pie is very mild. Not very much like a jello-y pie like it looks , I really liked the texture of Mattheessons key lime pie. Its garnished, by request, with simple whipped cream.
I wouldnt call this one my favorite, but this slice of key lime pie is a really good standard to start. Also, Mattheessons Key West Bakery has key lime pie on a stick, dipped in Belgian dark chocolate. I dont love this, but our kids really do.
Half Shell Raw Bar in Key West Historic Seaport
Key West Waterfront Brewery
Tavern N Town at the Marriott Key West
The secret to this tasty martini is KeKe Liquor and Licor 43 . Perfect.
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Key Lime Pie In The Upper Keys: Marathon Islamorada And Key Largo
As you head north in the Florida Keys, youll find that the communities change a lot, and so do the versions of key lime pie. While Key West is full of historic buildings and famous spots, the rest of the Keys are full of neighborhoods, marinas, and state parks. Youll see small shopping spots, grocery stores and souvenir shops lining parts of the Overseas Highway. Youll also see must less touristy areas with all kinds of cafes, but then also roadside attractions, like great white shark photo ops. I love the Upper Keys and their key lime pies.
Lighthouse Grill at Faro Blanco on Marathon Key
The key lime pie at the Lighthouse Grill at the Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club was my favorite when it comes to pie filling. In all the Florida Keys this one had both the best lime flavor and the most unique and fantastic texture. Almost like a very dense moose, it was light and yet really strong. With a thin graham cracker crust and then topped with basic whipped cream, it was perfect and hands down my favorite of the key lime pie fillings.
The only thing that would have made this better is if it was this pie filling with the crust and the meringue topping from Skippers Dockside on Key Largo. Whoops! Ignore that statement and keep reading through more top key lime pie picks in the Florida Keys!
Key Lime Pie and Cocktails at Angler and Ale at Hawk’s Cay, Duck Key
Tip: if you want to make your own delicious drink at home, here’s an easy recipe for a Key Lime Colada!
Authentic Key Lime Pie
This Key Lime Pie is the real deal. Slightly tart, super creamy and yes, it’s yellow, just like an authentic Key Lime Pie should be. It’s simply the best summer pie ever – cool, delicious and oh so easy to make. A tasty tropical dessert brought to you straight from the Florida Keys. Gluten-free option available.
I feel so blessed to live in sunny South Florida with beautiful sunny days and year-round warm weather. And having an abundance of fresh fruit growing right in my backyard makes it even better!
One of the desserts that South Florida and the Florida Keys are known for is authentic key lime pie. And I am definitely spoiled being able to make it with fresh key limes right off my very own tree!
Don’t Miss: Marcus Lemonis Key Lime Pie Company
American Civil War And Late 19th Century
During the , while Florida seceded and joined the , Key West remained in U.S. Union hands because of the naval base. Most locals were sympathetic to the Confederacy, however, and many flew Confederate flags over their homes. However, Key West was also home to a large free black population. This population grew during the war as more enslaved black people fled from their masters and came under the relative safety of the Union garrison there., constructed from 1845 to 1866, was an important Key West outpost during the Civil War. Construction began in 1861 on two other forts, East and West Martello Towers, which served as side armories and batteries for the larger fort. When completed, they were connected to Fort Taylor by railroad tracks for movement of munitions. Early in 1864, 900 men from the 2nd United States Colored Troops arrived in Key West as replacements for the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Many of these men would see action in southern Florida and the 2nd USCT would become “one of the most active” black regiments in Florida., located about 68 miles from Key West on Garden Key in the , served after the Civil War as the prison for , convicted of for setting the broken leg of , the assassin of President .
The sailed from Key West on her fateful visit to Havana, where she blew up and sank in , igniting the . Crewmen from the ship are buried in Key West, and the Navy investigation into the blast occurred at the Key West Customs House.
Mrs Macs Kitchen Mm 994
Key Largos Mrs. Macs Kitchen is our first stop when we reach the Keys. Youll love the vibe of tourists and locals, surrounded by the down-home décor of license plates hanging on the walls along with historical mementos and pictures. Mrs. Macs, which boasts world-famous key lime pie has a secret recipe. Everything is homemade graham cracker crust and a good balance of tart and sweet filling, except the whipped cream.
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Kermits Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Kermits claims to serve the original key lime pie in Key West. Its been declared the best in the city, even from the Food Network. Their version of the pie also follows the traditional recipe of creamy lemon filling, graham cracker crust and whipped cream on top.
Kermits Key West Key Lime Shoppe also sells a large variety of other items with a key lime flavor. Including key lime cookies, key lime salsa, key lime chutney, key lime taffy, key lime tea and key lime olive oil.
Not matter what other key lime pies you try while in Key West, make sure to also visit Kermits!
Address: 200 Elizabeth St, Key West, Florida
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.
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The Perfect Authentic Florida Key Lime Pie Recipe
Authentic Florida Key Lime Pie is the first thing you must try when you arrive in the Florida Keys.
I promise you wont be long here before you notice this brilliant but simple dessert on the menu.
Actually you have about as much chance of finding Elvis alive as you have going somewhere that doesnt serve Key Lime Pie.
Every restaurant throughout the Keys serves this as a staple diet of the “conchs” who live here, and to be honest you wouldnt disagree against the reasons behind the plentiful production of this wonderful and tasty pie once you taste it for the first time.
There are many different versions of the Key Lime Pie, and many people claim that they have the secret ingredient that makes their recipe the Authentic Florida Key Lime pie.
But what is the real version?
What adds the authenticity to a pie that to my taste buds always tastes good no matter where I eat it?
Well there are many factors to making the ideal pie.
Lovers of Key Lime Pie can never agree what is the best way to make one for start.
Some say a Pastry Crust is the main ingredient, whilst others say Graham-crackers do the trick.
Some say the only way to eat one is with Meringue on top, whilst others say whipped cream
The disagreements go long into the night.
The one thing that they do agree on is that under no circumstances should you ever add green food colouring.
The filling of authentic Key Lime Pie is a light yellow, and that is because authentic Florida Key Lime Pie uses tiny yellow key limes.
Where Did Key Lime Pie Originate
So, before we jump into where to find the best key lime pie in Key West, we thought we would give you a little back story as to the origin of key lime pie.
Now, the facts as to who made the very first key lime pie are a little fuzzy. Some claim that William Curry, as ship salvager in Florida, had a cook that made the first key lime pie. While others claim that sponge fishermen were the very first to concoct this delicious dessert.
What we do know is that Key Lime Trees were found in abundance all throughout Key West dating back as early as the 1800s. During that time, refrigeration was not common, so the innovation of using shelf-stable sweetened condensed milk was pivotal.
In 2006, Key Lime Pie became the official state pie of Florida. So, we might not be completely sure as to its origin, but we sure do love this pie and we are so happy it was created.
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Florida Key Lime Pie Today
The 21st century has brought key lime pie along with it, and today it takes the form of pie slices, key lime pie on a stick, key lime pie martinis, key lime cocktails, and even key lime body products. And candy, of course. If you cant make it to the Florida Keys at this very second but MUST get a slice of key lime pie, there are several bakeries and grocery stores that have good versions that are easily accessible. Our favorite non-Florida Keys key lime pie is the Publix version. Its basic and delicious, and is actually the standard we hold all key lime pies to.
If you jump online, youll see that you can order key lime pies for shipping from a number of bakeries, including Kermits in Key West . While that is an option, our recommendation is to seek one out in person. A good key lime pie will be pale to vibrantly yellow, and NEVER have a green tint to it. If youre pie shopping in person and see a key lime pie thats a bit green, DONT BUY IT! That pie is a fraud and somebody added food coloring!
In reality, key lime pie is super easy to make and if you cant find one that looks good locally, just make your own. Youll enjoy it more and be proud of yourself.
How To Tell If Key Lime Pie Is Done
A good key lime filling is soft but set. Bake your pie for a few minutes until it has a just little jiggle to the center.
I find this pie sets up very well and if your oven is accurate you can simply set your timer for 10 minutes and then pull the pie. Shaking the pie back and forth gently should produce a slight jiggle without the pie being sloppy.
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Key Lime Pie Recipe The Best Authentic Florida Key Lime Pie Recipe
This is the best, most authentic Florida Key Lime Pie Recipenot too tart, not too sweet, just a perfect slice of paradise.
Key Lime Pie filling has just 3 basic ingredients key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk and eggs. So, why are some Key Lime Pies so much better than others?
The best Key Lime Pies use real, fresh-squeezed key lime juice. Do not use bottled key lime juice. Do not use an ordinary lime, and dont even touch that little green plastic bottle of lime juice, or you will be disappointed. Key Limes are more tart and acidic than ordinary limes, and thats the key to getting a filling thats not too tart and not too sweet.
A visit to Florida is not complete without a slice of our state dessert!