The city of Key West, nestled in the southernmost tip of Florida, holds the distinction of being famous for Key lime pie. This refreshing dessert, characterized by its tart Key lime filling, sweet condensed milk, and crumbly graham cracker crust, is a culinary emblem of the Florida Keys. In fact, it’s such an integral part of the region’s identity that it was designated the official pie of the state of Florida in 2006. Whether you’re wandering down Duval Street or cruising along the Overseas Highway, you’re sure to come across a myriad of eateries boasting their unique rendition of this beloved dessert.
Key West, the birthplace of the Key lime pie, is home to many bakeries and restaurants that claim to serve the best version of this iconic dessert. The traditional Key lime pie recipe from Key West, as reputed, comes with a delightful twist of tartness from the genuine Key limes, a smooth texture from the sweetened condensed milk, and a unique crunchiness from the graham cracker crust.
History of Key Lime Pie
The Key lime pie is a classic American dessert, rooted in Key West, Florida, and crafted from Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk. The pie’s origins date back to the late 19th century when condensed milk was introduced by the Borden company. It gets its name from the small aromatic Key limes native to the Florida Keys, offering a unique tart flavor that distinguishes it from pies made with Persian limes. Its history includes a 1931 promotional brochure by Borden featuring a “Magic Lemon Cream Pie,” and by 1935, an “icebox lime pie” was already celebrated as a specialty of the Florida Keys.
The true original Key lime pie recipe under its current name emerged in 1940, and in the 1950s, it gained recognition as Florida’s “most famous treat,” solidifying its place as an iconic symbol of the state’s culinary landscape.
Places To Try Key Lime Pie in Key West
Key West Cooking Show
Get ready for a cooking demonstration that’s steeped in Key West tradition and culture, where a chef-storyteller guides you through a four-course meal filled with island lore and vibrant flavors. You’ll learn to make staples like zesty shrimp ceviche with local pink shrimp and hearty Cuban ropa vieja. But let’s be honest, you’re really there for the grand finale. It’s all leading up to that perfect, tangy slice of Key Lime Pie. Seated in a 1950s-style demonstration kitchen, you’ll be transported by tales of shipwreck salvagers and Cuban cigar makers, all while anticipating the creamy, authentic Key Lime Pie, made with fresh-squeezed limes and topped with a cloud of meringue. While the other courses are a culinary journey through the island’s history, the real destination is that first glorious bite of pie—and you’ll get the recipe to take the magic home with you.
Key Lime Pie Bakery
Nestled just one block off Duval Street, the Key Lime Pie Bakery in Key West is a delightful haven for enthusiasts of this iconic Floridian dessert. Independently owned and operated, this photogenic bakery boasts a fantastic selection beyond the traditional Key lime pie. Indulge your taste buds with the signature acidic lime flavor and thick crust, or explore the array of tempting treats like chocolate-covered Key lime pie slices, cookies, and fudge. The menu extends to include delightful variations such as Key lime cake, Key lime tea, Wheeler’s Key lime pecans, Tortuga pineapple Caribbean rum cake, Key lime coconut patties, and even Key West Key lime juice concentrate. Every item is a testament to the bakery’s commitment to authenticity and quality, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking an unforgettable Key lime pie experience.
The Cafe
(Vegan)
The Cafe is a vibrant eatery in Key West that caters to a broad range of dietary preferences, and they are particularly celebrated for their vegan take on the classic Key lime pie. The Cafe is dedicated to providing delicious and wholesome food for everyone, including vegans and vegetarians. The vegan Key lime pie at The Cafe is a testament to their culinary creativity and commitment to inclusivity. Crafted with a delectable crumbly crust and a tangy creamy filling that replicates the classic flavors without any animal by-products, this vegan Key lime pie is not only a healthier alternative but also a genuine delight to the palate. Whether you abide by a vegan lifestyle or are simply curious, The Cafe’s vegan Key lime pie is a must-try when in Key West.
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
(Gluten-Free Options)
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe is a renowned haven for Key lime pie enthusiasts, celebrated for offering some of the best in the Florida Keys. Their classic Key lime pie, adorned with a graham cracker crust and whipped cream topping, maintains a consistently high standard of delicious excellence. What makes Kermit’s truly exceptional is its dedication to catering to diverse tastes, providing traditional slices, gluten-free options, and the uniquely delightful Key lime pie on a stick, coated in rich chocolate. Beyond the pies, Kermit’s stands out with its exceptional Key lime concentrate, capturing the essence of the Florida Keys’ signature fruit, making it a perfect souvenir or gift. In every delectable creation, Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe offers a slice of tropical paradise for locals and tourists alike.
Blue Heaven
Blue Heaven is a must-stop place for any Key lime pie enthusiast visiting Key West. Their pies are made with the freshest of ingredients, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sweetened condensed milk, all topped with a generous layer of meringue. The towering meringue topping is the main draw of Blue Heaven’s version of this classic dessert. The ambiance of this casual place, offering both indoor and outdoor dining, complements the gastronomic delight of their Key lime pie, making every visit truly heavenly. Beyond their signature pie, their dessert menu is also worth exploring. Other dessert options include their heavenly Banana Heaven, a banana bread pudding smothered in a rum caramel sauce, and the sinfully delicious Richard’s Very Rich Chocolate Cake. No trip to Key West is complete without dropping by Blue Heaven! Additionally, the restaurant boasts a diverse menu with American, vegetarian, and Caribbean cuisine, making it a perfect dining spot for all preferences. Don’t miss their passion fruit cashew cheesecake, a vegan and gluten-free delight featuring sea salt and fresh strawberries.
Old Town Bakery
A visit to Old Town Bakery in Key West is a delightful experience for dessert enthusiasts. Open from 7 am to 3 pm daily, this quaint family-run bakery housed in a traditional Key West home offers a selection of delectable treats. While the famous Key lime pies are a must-try, it’s advisable to visit early, as they tend to sell out quickly. Don’t miss the opportunity to pick up a sandwich along with a slice of their iconic Key lime pie to enjoy on the go. Indulge in other tempting American classics like the comforting apple pie, characterized by its flaky crust and filling of tart, spice-laden apples, or the crowd-pleasing pecan pie with its sweet nutty filling and perfectly contrasting crust. Alongside these delights, explore a variety of desserts, such as the Apple Cobbler Danish, blueberry cheese Danish, sacristains, sticky buns, and raspberry scones. The bakery’s diverse offerings cater to various tastes, ensuring a delightful journey through the realm of traditional American desserts.
Mattheessen’s
Mattheessen’s is a Key West gem where Key lime pie enthusiasts can savor the tradition or add a twist by dipping their slice in rich dark Belgian chocolate. The Matthessen family, pioneers in crafting delightful desserts, embarked on their Key West journey in 1993, opening their first coffee kiosk named “Kayla’s Cafe” after their daughter. Renowned for their dedication to quality, Mattheessen’s Key lime pies feature a homemade graham cracker crust, offering a perfect balance to the tart and delicious Key lime filling. Beyond pies, Mattheessen’s is celebrated for its delectable homemade fudge, available in flavors like chocolate, rocky road, chocolate pecan, and peanut butter. Operating from 8 am to midnight every day of the year, Mattheessen’s ensures that any moment can be Key lime pie time, inviting both locals and visitors to indulge in a sweet treat that transcends traditional boundaries.
Porky’s Bayside BBQ
Porky’s Bayside BBQ, situated approximately one hour north of Key West in Marathon, is a hidden gem known for its unique twist on the classic Key lime pie. Their rendition involves a delightful preparation — the Key lime pie is expertly battered, fried to golden perfection, and then adorned with a generous drizzle of zesty lime and raspberry sauce. Beyond the innovative dessert, Porky’s offers a charming open-air dining experience right along a marina, providing patrons with picturesque waterfront views. This makes dining at Porky’s not just a culinary delight but also a memorable experience immersed in the scenic beauty of the Florida Keys.
FAQs
The most popular pie in Florida is undoubtedly the Key lime pie. This classic dessert made up of a tart Key lime filling, sweetened condensed milk, and a crumbly graham cracker crust is a cherished emblem of the state’s culinary heritage. The Key lime pie’s significance is so profound that it was officially recognized as the state pie of Florida in 2006. Through the years, it has remained a favorite among Floridians and tourists alike, with eateries throughout the state offering their unique versions of this beloved dessert.
Determining the best Key lime pie in the USA can be subjective, as it depends on individual palates and preferences. However, some well-loved establishments frequently top the charts. Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies in Red Hook, Brooklyn, is renowned for its outstanding pie, made using fresh hand-squeezed Key lime juice. Their pies are often hailed as some of the best outside of Florida. Back in the Sunshine State, Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its consistently delicious and authentic Key lime pie. Ultimately, the “best” Key lime pie combines a delectable balance of tartness and sweetness with a smooth filling and a buttery, crumbly crust.
An interesting fact about Key lime pie is that it is said to have been innovated by Aunt Sally, the cook for Florida’s first self-made millionaire, William Curry. During the late 19th century, sweetened condensed milk was a staple in Key West due to the lack of fresh milk. Aunt Sally capitalized on this and the abundance of local Key limes to create the famous Key lime pie, a dessert that is now loved worldwide.
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TOUR KEY WEST AND TWO TOP ATTRACTIONS
Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places. While on the tour, your engineer offers an interesting and amusing narrative filled with historical facts, trivia and humor, and recounts fascinating stories of the colorful people that make Key West so unique.
Discover the undersea world at the Key West Aquarium. A Window of Wonder comes alive as expert guides explain the mysteries of the water surrounding the Florida Keys.
Journey back to the mid-19th century in the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Highlights include displays and video presentations on the history of wreck salvage in the Florida Keys and the sinking of the legendary Isaac Allerton.
- Conch Tour Train:
- 60-minute tour of the Conch Republic
- One full loop through Old Town Key West
- FREE Two Guided Walking Tours included
- FREE admission to the Sails to Rails Museum included with ticket
- FREE coupons worth up to $50 in discounts
- Key West Aquarium:
- Daily turtle feedings
- Touch Tank offers guests hands on experience
- A wide variety of fish including grouper, moray eels, barracuda, tropical fish and more
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum:
- Discover the world of Shipwrecking
- Hear the story of the Isaac Allerton which wrecked off Key West
- Climb a 65' Captain's Observatory
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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Conch Tour Train Tickets
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Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places including Mallory Square, The Harry S. Truman Little White House, Overseas Railroad Museum, the Key West Aquarium and more. While on the tour, your engineer offers an interesting and amusing narrative filled with historical facts, trivia and humor, and recounts fascinating stories of the colorful people that make Key West so unique.
- 60-minute tour of the Conch Republic
- One full loop through Old Town Key West
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- FREE Two Guided Walking Tours included
- FREE admission to the Sails to Rails Museum included with ticket
- FREE coupons worth up to $50 in discounts
- FREE Full color map
Save up
to 9%
to 9%
TOUR KEY WEST AND TWO MUSEUMS
Since 1958, the Conch Tour Train has treated guests to a close-up view of the Southernmost City’s most popular places. While on the tour, your engineer offers an interesting and amusing narrative filled with historical facts, trivia and humor, and recounts fascinating stories of the colorful people that make Key West so unique.
Visit Florida’s only presidential museum at the Harry S. Truman Little White House built on the waterfront of the harbor of Key West.
Journey back to the mid-19th century in the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Highlights include displays and video presentations on the history of wreck salvage in the Florida Keys and the sinking of the legendary Isaac Allerton.
- Conch Tour Train:
- 60-minute tour of the Conch Republic
- One full loop through Old Town Key West
- FREE Two Guided Walking Tours included
- FREE admission to the Sails to Rails Museum included with ticket
- FREE coupons worth up to $50 in discounts
- Harry S. Truman Little White House:
- See the home Harry S. Truman came to relax and rest
- Visit where Eisenhower recuperated from his heart attack in 1956
- Thomas Edison resided here during World War I
- Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum:
- Discover the world of Shipwrecking
- Hear the story of the Isaac Allerton which wrecked off Key West
- Climb a 65' Captain's Observatory
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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