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Spruce Tip Key Lime Pie Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 35 minutes plus chilling time (at least 4 hours, preferably overnight)
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Spruce Tip Key Lime Pie combines the bright, tangy flavors of key limes with the unique, resinous aroma of fresh spruce tips for an unforgettable dessert experience. Featuring a buttery graham cracker and walnut crust, a creamy, gelatin-set filling infused with spruce tips and lime zest, this pie is both visually striking and delightfully refreshing. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion where a vibrant, sophisticated pie is appreciated.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1.25 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped black walnuts (or regular walnuts)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Good pinch of salt

Filling

  • Scant 1 oz spruce tips, chopped (such as white spruce or blue spruce)
  • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
  • 4 sheets leaf gelatin (silver) or one ¼ oz packet unflavored gelatin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (a pinch)
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • A few scrapes of fresh lime zest
  • 1/2 cup key lime juice
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan or microwave. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped black walnuts, ground cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-10 inch pie dish to form an even crust layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust turns lightly browned. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while preparing the filling.
  2. Bloom the gelatin: If using gelatin sheets, soak them in cold ice water until soft. If using powdered gelatin, prepare according to package instructions by sprinkling it over a small amount of cold water and letting it bloom for 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the filling base: In a saucepan, warm half (about 7/8 cup) of the heavy cream along with the sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring gently. Once warm but not boiling, remove from heat. Squeeze the excess water from the bloomed gelatin sheets or stir in the bloomed powdered gelatin, whisking thoroughly until completely dissolved.
  4. Combine the cream: Add the remaining half of the cream, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup white sugar to the gelatin mixture. To cool it to room temperature quickly, place the saucepan or a mixing bowl over another bowl filled with cold water and whisk continuously.
  5. Incorporate spruce tips: Pour the cream and gelatin mixture into a blender along with the chopped spruce tips. Puree for about 30 seconds until the mixture is evenly mixed and turns a brilliant green color. Strain the puree through a very fine strainer into a clean mixing bowl to remove any solids, ensuring a smooth filling.
  6. Add lime flavors: Whisk in the fresh lime zest scrapped from the lime skin and the 1/2 cup key lime juice into the strained mixture. This will cause the filling to thicken slightly, which is expected.
  7. Assemble and chill: Pour the prepared filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading evenly. Refrigerate the pie for at least a few hours, ideally overnight, until fully set and firm.
  8. Serve: Slice the pie into servings and garnish each slice with whipped cream and a few fresh spruce tip needles if available. Optionally, add gently cooked wild blueberries for a complementary garnish and extra flavor.

Notes

  • Gelatin sheets are typically categorized by color indicating strength; silver sheets are standard for this recipe.
  • If using powdered gelatin, blending it into the cream mixture ensures no clumps remain.
  • Spruce tips offer a unique pine-like flavor; be sure to use fresh, edible varieties like white or blue spruce.
  • Key lime juice can be substituted with regular lime juice but may alter the tartness slightly.
  • The crust can be pre-baked to avoid sogginess from the filling.
  • Refrigeration for several hours or overnight is necessary for proper setting of the pie.
  • Garnishes are optional but add to the presentation and flavor contrast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/spruce-tip-key-lime-pie-recipe/