David's No Mistakin' Bacon Key Lime Pie
Key West-based Key lime pie authority David L. Sloan says this smoky, triple bacon-infused recipe reminds him of his favorite dishes from his home state of Texas. We think it would be right at home at a Super Bowl or tailgate buffet, or a potluck party. Note that the graham cracker pie shell is not baked prior to filling. This is a little unusual, but the pie is also frozen and we found that not pre-baking the shell yields a rich, tender crust you can still easily cut into.
Key West-based Key lime pie authority David L. Sloan says this smoky, triple bacon-infused recipe reminds him of his favorite dishes from his home state of Texas. We think it would be right at home at a Super Bowl or tailgate buffet, or a potluck party. Note that the graham cracker pie shell is not baked prior to filling. This is a little unusual, but the pie is also frozen and we found that not pre-baking the shell yields a rich, tender crust you can still easily cut into.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 pound applewood-smoked bacon
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs from about 10 (2 1/4-inch by 4 3/4-inch) crackers
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup fresh or bottled key lime juice
- 3 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs from about 2 (2 1/4-inch by 4 3/4-inch) crackers
- zest of 2 key limes
- 9-inch pie plate, nonstick vegetable-oil spray
- Carbohydrate 60 g(20%)
- Cholesterol 195 mg(65%)
- Fat 53 g(82%)
- Fiber 1 g(3%)
- Protein 14 g(28%)
- Saturated Fat 25 g(124%)
- Sodium 556 mg(23%)
- Calories 763
Step-by-step
- Spray a 9-inch pie plate liberally with nonstick vegetable-oil spray.
- In a large heavy skillet over moderate heat, cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving the fat in the skillet. Strain the bacon fat through a fine-mesh sieve, measure 4 tablespoons for the filling, and discard the rest.
- Finely chop the bacon. Reserve 3 tablespoons of bacon for the garnish and place the rest in a medium bowl. Add the graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar and stir to combine. Drizzle with melted butter and stir until well combined. Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, and the 4 tablespoons of reserved bacon fat. Pour into the unbaked graham cracker and bacon crust and bake until just set in the center, about 12 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely then freeze for at least 1 hour. DO AHEAD: The pie can be baked and stored, covered, in the freezer, up to 3 days.
- Remove the pie from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator for 20 minutes prior to serving.
- In a small bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and the reserved 3 tablespoons of bacon.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently mound the cream on top of the pie then drizzle with the maple syrup and sprinkle with the lime zest and bacon and graham cracker garnish.
David's No-Mistakin' Bacon Key Lime Pie: A Culinary Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But every now and then, I crave something special, something that screams "celebration" even if it's just a Tuesday night. This Bacon Key Lime Pie fits the bill perfectly. It's decadent, surprising, and honestly, easier than it looks. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy Key lime, and a sweet graham cracker crust is a revelation – a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue.
I first encountered this recipe during a weekend getaway to Key West. The humid air hung heavy, the sun beat down on my shoulders, and I was desperately seeking refuge in a cool, air-conditioned cafe. That's where I stumbled upon this masterpiece. The description mentioned Texas, and honestly, that’s home for me as well, so it just resonated with me. I knew I had to try it. The idea of a savory-sweet pie, with that wonderful bacon twist? It was a culinary adventure I couldn't resist.
What sets this pie apart is its unexpected boldness. It's not your grandmother's Key lime pie (though she might secretly adore it too!). The bacon infuses the entire pie with a subtle smokiness that complements the tartness of the Key limes beautifully. The graham cracker crust, though unbaked, provides a satisfying crunch that stands up to the rich, creamy filling. And the addition of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra bacon on top? Pure genius. It adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy filling. It's a delightful twist.
The freezing process is key. Don't skip it! It allows the pie to set beautifully and creates a wonderfully firm texture. Plus, the freezer allows me to make it ahead of time, a huge plus for someone juggling work, kids, and everything in between. Freezing this pie makes it a stress-free option for parties or potlucks. I just pop it in the fridge a few hours before serving. Believe me, the wow factor makes this pie worth every minute of preparation.
Making this pie is a testament to the joy of unexpected flavor combinations. It challenges the conventional and offers a taste of the extraordinary, which is what I appreciate in any good recipe. It’s a conversation starter, a showstopper, and a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable dishes are the ones that surprise and delight. The unexpected combination of sweet and savory is a taste sensation that lingers long after the last bite. The pie is a masterclass in culinary balancing acts, where opposing flavors and textures converge to create a harmonious and unforgettable treat.
Beyond the wonderful taste, this pie is also a gateway to creating memories. I've made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a quiet night at home. Each time, it’s been met with enthusiastic praise and requests for the recipe. And that, to me, is the best reward of all. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, I highly recommend giving this Bacon Key Lime Pie a try. It’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen.
This recipe, with its unique blend of sweet and savory, is far more than just a dessert. It's an experience, a journey for your taste buds, a tribute to the unexpected flavors that can transform a simple dessert into a culinary masterpiece. It's a reminder to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unexpected in the kitchen and in life.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to be amazed by the wonderful flavor profile. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it's a statement, a celebration of taste, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the journey of making and savoring this truly exceptional pie.
