📖 Instructions

1. Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures an even bake for the crust. While the oven heats, prep your pie dish by lightly greasing it. This step is crucial to prevent the crust from sticking and to ensure easy removal later on.
2. Crush your graham crackers until they form fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for this, pulsing until you achieve a sandy texture. Alternatively, place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The finer the crumbs, the better the crust will hold together.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and sugar. Mix well until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand. This is what binds the crust together and gives it its characteristic flavor.
4. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create a uniform thickness. A well-pressed crust is key to a sturdy pie.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. This helps to set the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy when the filling is added. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. This is a crucial step; a cool crust will hold the filling much better.
6. While the crust is cooling, prepare the key lime filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk and key lime juice together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened. The acidity of the lime juice will react with the condensed milk, creating a creamy texture.
7. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This is important to avoid any lumps in the final filling. Add the cream cheese to the key lime mixture and continue to beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
8. Pour the key lime filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Now, for a touch of birthday fun, gently press colorful sprinkles into the top of the filling. Get creative with patterns or just scatter them randomly. This adds a festive look and a hint of extra sweetness.
9. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The pie will continue to set as it cools. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the filling to crack.
10. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld together.
11. Before serving, decorate the pie with whipped cream or meringue. Add birthday candles for a festive touch. Slice and serve cold, enjoying the tangy and sweet flavors of this Key Lime Birthday Pie Cake.