Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your crust bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown color.
In a medium bowl, combine 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. This texture is ideal for forming your crust.
Press the crust mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your pie dish. Be careful not to cover the lip with crumbs; this will help you achieve a clean slice later. A measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass can help to pack the crumbs tightly.
Bake the crust for 9 minutes. This step is essential as it helps to set the crust, making it more stable when you add the filling. Once baked, transfer the crust to a cooling rack and let it cool completely.
Now for the filling! In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 4 teaspoons of grated lime zest and 4 large egg yolks for about 2 minutes. This whisking helps to aerate the mixture and infuse the egg yolks with that bright lime flavor.
Next, whisk in the 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk until well combined, then add in ½ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice. Mix until smooth. You’ll notice the mixture thickening slightly as you whisk.
While your crust cools, allow the filling to sit at room temperature. This helps it to thicken further, ensuring a nice texture when baked.
Carefully pour the filling into the cooled crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to ensure even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, just until the center is set but still slightly wiggly. You don’t want to overbake, as the pie will continue to cook as it cools.
Transfer the pie back to the cooling rack and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, top the pie with stabilized whipped cream. You can get creative here with garnishes like twisted lime wheels or thin slices of lime for a touch of color and flair.
