This is the perfect dessert to celebrate special occasions, to take to picnics, potlucks and parties and to have stashed away in your freezer for those emergency sweet tooth attacks.
PrintKey Lime Tarts with a Coconut Pecan Crust
Ingredients
- 8 whole graham crackers, about 4 ounces
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 8 tablespoons butter, (1 stick) melted
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup flaked shredded coconut
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- lime zest from 4 limes
- 1/2 cup lime juice (from about 4-5 limes, depending on juiciness of limes)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350?F. Spray 6 – 4½-inch removable bottom tart pans with baking spray. Rub with a paper towel to evenly distribute spray. Line bottoms with parchment paper, if desired.
- Process graham crackers till finely ground. Add butter and sugar and process till combined. Add pecans and pulse 6-10 times or until coarsely ground. Add coconut and pulse 3-4 times, just till incorporated.
- Divide between 6 tart pans with removable bottoms. About ? generous cup per pan. Press graham cracker mixture firmly up sides and into bottom of pans. Place tart pans on a sheet pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- For the filling – in a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and combined. Add lime juice and stir. Place bowl over a pan of simmering water and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add condensed milk, Greek yogurt and all but 1 teaspoon of the lime zest.
- Divide evenly between the baked crusts and sprinkle with the reserved lime zest. Freeze, uncovered for at least 2 hours. If not serving after this initial freezing, cover tightly with foil. Will keep for several weeks in the freezer. Remove from freezer 10-20 minutes before serving. Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?
Bottled key lime juice works and saves considerable time. Look for 100% key lime juice with no additives. Fresh gives a brighter flavor if you can find the limes. 
Can I substitute pecans in the crust?
Graham crackers, regular pecans, or macadamia nuts all work. The crust is flexible; use whatever nut you prefer.
Do I need to bake the tarts or will they set without baking?
Most key lime fillings with condensed milk set in the oven with just 15 minutes at a low temperature. A no-bake version using gelatin is also possible.
Why is my key lime filling not setting?
Under-baking is the usual cause. The filling should be just slightly wobbly in the center when you remove it; it firms up as it cools.
How far ahead can I make these tarts?
Make them up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Add whipped cream or meringue topping just before serving.
