National Key Lime Pie Day

History of National Key Lime Pie Day

National Key Lime Pie Day is celebrated on September 26 every year. Key limes are smaller, rounder, less acidic, and more fragrant than their familiar cousin, the Persian/Tahitian lime. The skin of key lime is thinner and smoother. It gets bigger in the tropics and subtropics and is used in numerous tropical cuisines worldwide. Even though it emerged in the Indo-Malayan region of southern Asia, the key lime is also recognized as the Mexican or West Indian lime.

The pie gets its distinctive name from these small key limes, naturalized in the Florida Keys. Lime juice can be substituted for regular lime juice in everything, from cocktails to condiments, on chicken, and fish/seafood, in marinades, sauces, and soups. Key lime juice is also a dull yellow as opposed to regular lime juice. Combining the juice with egg yolks is what gives the key lime pie its yellow filling.

Botanist, Jack Simons, is credited with inventing key lime pie; however, contrasting reports claim that a ship salvager cook known as Aunt Sally created the first key lime pie. These ships would have been the ideal place to find the non-perishable ingredients used in the earliest recipe: limes, eggs, and canned milk.

Regardless of who the real creator is, there is no doubt about this pie’s credentials to thrill taste buds worldwide. It is only right that it gets a day all to itself, which is why National Key Lime Pie Day is so important.

National Key Lime Pie Day timeline

1800

Key Lime Pie is Invented

Aunt Sally is credited with creating the key lime pie.

2006

It Becomes Florida’s Official Pie

On July 1, the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate approve a bill designating the key lime pie as the official state pie.

1987

Key Lime Pie Gains Popularity

Key lime pie gains popularity as a classic American dessert.

1940

The Key Lime Pie Recipe is Published

Brown of Buffalo, New York, publicly releases a formula for key lime pie.

2002

The Key Lime Festival

The annual Key Lime Festival is held in Key West, Florida.

National Key Lime Pie Day FAQs

When is National Key Lime Pie Day?

National Key Lime Pie Day 2026 falls on Saturday, September 26, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to bake or enjoy this iconic dessert. It’s a day dedicated to the tangy, sweet, and creamy delight from the Florida Keys.

How many key limes does it take to make a pie?

Typically, it takes about 15-20 small key limes to yield enough juice (around half a cup) for one standard key lime pie. The exact number can vary based on the size and juiciness of the limes themselves.

Is Key Lime Pie baked?

Traditionally, authentic Key Lime Pie is not baked. The acidity of the key lime juice reacts with the proteins in the sweetened condensed milk, causing the filling to thicken and set without heat. Many recipes today, however, call for a brief bake to firm up the custard.

What is the difference between a key lime and a regular lime?

Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and have a tarter, more floral flavor than common Persian limes. They also have a thinner, yellowish rind when ripe, and contain more seeds. Their distinct taste is essential for an authentic key lime pie.

National Key Lime Pie Day Activities

Cook a key lime pie

Recipes for key lime pie can be found on the internet and in cookbooks. There are numerous recipes with variations and ingredients to choose from based on your preferences.

Experiment with new recipes

You can also experiment with new recipes today. Experiment with minor changes or add your personal touch to make it special.

Invite your friends and family

The most delicious way to eat a key lime pie is with family and friends. You can invite a few over and make it a fun day of hanging out and eating pie.

5 Interesting Facts About Pies

The world's biggest pie

The world's largest pie measures a whopping 23,236 pounds and was created by 17 catering students at Stratford-upon-Avon Uni.

They were invented by the Egyptians

Pies, as we recognize them today, originated in ancient Egypt; such pies had all been stuffed with honey and coated in a crust crafted of barley, oats, rye, or wheat.

Americans consume a lot of pie

Every year, 186 million pies are marketed in food store stores in the United States alone.

The most costly pie was almost $10,000

The most ridiculously priced pie in the world, as of 2015, cost around $9,500 and was sold at the Lord Dudley Hotel in Sydney, Australia.

Pies are soothing

A survey found that 47% of Americans connect the term comforting with a pie.

Why We Love National Key Lime Pie Day

They are delicious

This day brings back memories of just how much we love pies. Everyone enjoys pies since they are simple to prepare and delicious.

They look as good as they taste

Sometimes dishes can be misleading from appearance to taste. But not pie, and not key lime pie.

You can post it on social media

Because not everyone is aware of the deliciousness of key lime pie, we get to publicize the pie and all of its benefits. You can also share your homemade pie recipes and photos on social media.