If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances tangy brightness with a crunchy, buttery crust, let me introduce you to your new favorite: the Chin Chin Lime Pie Recipe. This delightful dish combines the uniquely crisp and slightly sweet texture of chin chin crumbs with a luscious, creamy lime filling that’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a casual get-together or a special occasion, this pie always brings smiles and a refreshing zing that’s simply unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chin Chin Lime Pie Recipe plays an important role, from the crunchy chin chin base to the rich lime filling that’s bursting with freshness. These simple essentials come together to create a pie with incredible texture and vibrant flavor.
- Chin Chin (2 cups, crushed into crumbs): This serves as the base, giving the crust a uniquely crunchy and slightly sweet foundation.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart lime.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the crust ingredients and creates that rich, golden texture you want.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 oz): The star of the filling, bringing creamy sweetness and body.
- Fresh lime juice (1/2 cup): Adds refreshing tartness and bright citrus zing.
- Lime zest (zest of 2 limes): A little extra citrus punch and aroma that takes the filling a notch higher.
- Large egg yolks (3): Help thicken and set the filling to that perfect luscious consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, balancing the tang of the lime.
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping): For those who love a creamy finish that adds softness and elegance.
How to Make Chin Chin Lime Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chin Chin Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine your crushed chin chin crumbs with the granulated sugar, then pour in the melted unsalted butter. Mix everything well so the crumbs are uniformly coated. This mixture will transform into a crispy, flavorful crust. Press it evenly into the base of a 9-inch pie pan, making sure the layer is compact. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until it’s just golden and fragrant, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Tangy Lime Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime zest, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is perfectly smooth and the lime zest is evenly dispersed. This filling blends creamy sweetness with that signature citrus piquancy you can’t resist. Pour the filling over your cooled chin chin crust and spread it out evenly, preparing it for baking.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
Place your pie in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You want the filling to be set but still hold a slight wobble in the center—this texture is key because it sets more firmly as it cools. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.
Step 4: Chill and Final Touches
Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the filling to firm up nicely and the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, add a dollop of whipped cream on top and garnish with lime slices or extra zest for that picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Chin Chin Lime Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, whipped cream is a fantastic choice because its airy, creamy texture offers the perfect contrast to the pie’s zesty filling and crunchy crust. Fresh lime slices or a sprinkle of lime zest add vibrant color and accentuate that lively citrus aroma, making every slice look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with light, fresh side dishes. Think along the lines of a tropical fruit salad or a simple mint leaf garnish to complement the lime flavors. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can also elevate the dessert into something luxuriously indulgent if you want to wow your guests even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Serve the Chin Chin Lime Pie Recipe in clear glass pie dishes to showcase that decadent crust and creamy filling. Alternatively, cut the pie into individual mini servings in tartlet pans. Decorate each portion with a tiny lime wedge and a swirl of whipped cream to create elegant single bites that are perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Chin Chin Lime Pie in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This dessert stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks or entertaining guests.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to slice it beforehand for easy thawing and serving later. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight to maintain that perfect texture and flavor.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t typically recommended. If you do prefer it slightly warmer, allow the pie to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, avoiding microwave heating as it can affect the creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought chin chin or do I need to make it from scratch?
Using store-bought chin chin that is crispy and unsweetened works perfectly for the crust. It saves time without compromising the unique texture that makes this pie special.
What if I don’t have fresh limes? Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is highly recommended for the best flavor and brightness, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice can be used. Just be sure it’s 100% lime juice without added sugars or preservatives.
How long does it take to prepare and bake the Chin Chin Lime Pie Recipe?
The active preparation only takes about 20-25 minutes, with baking around 25-28 minutes total. Then, allow at least 3 hours of chilling time to let the pie set perfectly.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
Traditional recipes rely on condensed milk and butter, but you can experiment with dairy-free substitutes like coconut condensed milk and vegan butter. Keep in mind, the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delightful.
Is the crust very sweet? How crunchy is it?
The crust has a mild sweetness from the sugar and chin chin and is wonderfully crunchy without being hard. It provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy, tangy filling.
Final Thoughts
This Chin Chin Lime Pie Recipe is truly a gem that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Its lively citrus flavor and crunchy chin chin crust come together in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. Give it a try and I’m sure it will quickly become one of your go-to desserts, bringing joy and freshness to your table every time.
Print
Chin Chin Lime Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 43 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
This Chin Chin Lime Pie combines the crunchy sweetness of crushed Chin Chin cookies with a tangy, creamy lime filling. The pie features a buttery Chin Chin crust baked to perfection, topped with a smooth lime custard made from fresh lime juice, zest, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfectly chilled and optionally adorned with whipped cream, this refreshing dessert offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a zesty treat.
Ingredients
For the Chin Chin Crust:
- 2 cups Chin Chin, crushed into crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lime Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- Zest of 2 limes
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Lime slices or zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Chin Chin crumbs with the granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until all crumbs are evenly coated.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press the Chin Chin mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until set, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool.
- Prepare Lime Filling: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, lime zest, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the lime filling into the cooled Chin Chin crust, spreading it evenly to cover the crust completely.
- Bake the Pie Filling: Return the pie to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the filling is set but still has a slight wobble in the center, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
- Cool and Chill: Let the pie cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the filling to firm up completely.
- Serve: Just before serving, optionally top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with lime slices or additional lime zest for a fresh presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the Chin Chin is finely crushed to help the crust hold together well.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus flavor and balance the sweetness of the condensed milk.
- The slight wobble in the filling after baking means it’s perfectly set and will firm up as it chills.
- You can prepare the pie a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and chilling time is sufficient.
- Serve chilled for the best texture and refreshing taste.
