Spice Up Your Dessert: Habanero Key Lime Pie with a Cuban Twist
Jackie VShare
Discover the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and heat in this tropical dessert that brings together the best of Key West and Cuban flavors.
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A Cuban-Inspired Heat Meets Classic Key Lime
Welcome to our tropical twist on a classic dessert! Today we're sharing a Habanero Key Lime Pie Recipe—a dessert that dances between sweet, tart, and just a whisper of heat. This recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors of Key West and traditional Cuban cuisine, balancing the zing of real Key limes with a subtle habanero kick that makes every bite an adventure.
If you love Cuban food or are a hot sauce enthusiast looking for a dessert that brings some heat, this pie will transport you straight to the shores of Havana and the Florida Keys in one delicious bite.Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (use fresh, lightly packed crumbs for the best texture)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup Key lime juice (fresh squeezed is best—if you can't find Key limes, a high-quality substitute works too)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 small habanero pepper (prepare as noted below) or 1 teaspoon Barbaro Mojo El Havanero hot sauce
For the Habanero Infusion:
- 2 tablespoons Key lime juice (from your measured ½ cup, set aside)
- 1 small habanero pepper (or half if you prefer a milder heat; wear gloves!) or 1 teaspoon Barbaro Mojo El Havanero hot sauce
- Remove the seeds and membranes before use (if using fresh habanero)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Whipped cream or lightly sweetened coconut cream
- Extra lime zest or thin wheel slices of lime
- A tiny decorative slice of habanero for presentation (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup for even pressure.
- Bake the crust for about 8 minutes until it's lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Create the Habanero Infusion:
- If using fresh habanero: Finely mince the prepared habanero pepper (again, remember to wear gloves and avoid touching your face). If using Barbaro Mojo El Havanero hot sauce, measure out 1 teaspoon.
- In a small pan, combine 2 tablespoons of Key lime juice with the minced habanero or hot sauce. Warm the mixture gently over low heat for 2 minutes to release the pepper's flavor; do not boil.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely. For a smooth filling, you may choose to strain out the pepper bits after cooling, or if you enjoy tiny bursts of heat, leave them in.
Assemble the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until smooth. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
- Add the remaining ⅜ cup of Key lime juice (after subtracting the 2 tablespoons used for the infusion), the lime zest, and then gently stir in your habanero infusion. Taste the mixture with caution—the heat should be a subtle accent, not overwhelming!
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Set and Chill:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F again (if it has cooled off) and bake the filled pie for about 10 minutes. This step "cooks" the egg yolks just enough to set the filling while keeping it creamy; do not overbake.
- Remove the pie from the oven and set it aside to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to ensure the flavors meld and the filling firms up.
Serve and Garnish:
- Once chilled, slice and serve your Habanero Key Lime Pie. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of coconut cream.
- Garnish with extra lime zest, a thin wheel of lime, or even a delicate slice of habanero for a dramatic and aromatic finish.
Cuban-Inspired Flavor Notes
This Habanero Key Lime Pie draws inspiration from Cuban cuisine's love of vibrant citrus flavors and spice. The marriage of sweet, tangy key lime with the distinctive fruity heat of habanero peppers creates a flavor profile reminiscent of many beloved Cuban dishes and sauces.
Much like the famous Cuban mojo sauce balances citrus with heat, this dessert creates a similar harmony in sweet form. The habanero pepper, widely used in Caribbean and Cuban hot sauces, adds an authentic tropical dimension that elevates this pie beyond an ordinary dessert.
Chef's Tips for Perfect Cuban-Style Heat
- Balance is key! The tangy lime and sweet condensed milk create a rich, creamy filling, while the habanero adds a lively kick that enhances rather than overpowers. Adjust the amount of habanero to suit your heat tolerance.
- For a smoother presentation, strain your habanero infusion if you prefer to avoid bits in your silky Key lime mixture.
- Always work carefully with hot peppers—wash your hands thoroughly afterwards and avoid touching your eyes.
- For hot sauce lovers: If you're a fan of Cuban-style hot sauces like Barbaro Mojo's El Havanero, you might enjoy increasing the hot sauce slightly for more pronounced heat.
Product Recommendation
For an authentic Cuban flavor in this pie, we recommend using Barbaro Mojo's El Havanero hot sauce. Its balanced heat and distinctive flavor profile make it perfect for this recipe, adding just the right amount of Cuban-inspired spice to complement the sweet and tangy elements of the pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Barbaro Mojo hot sauce instead of fresh habanero?
Yes! You can substitute 1 teaspoon of Barbaro Mojo El Havanero hot sauce for the fresh habanero pepper in this recipe. The sauce adds both heat and authentic Cuban flavor.
Is this dessert too spicy?
The heat level is subtle and balanced by the sweetness of condensed milk and tartness of lime. You can easily adjust the amount of habanero to suit your preference.
What makes this pie Cuban-inspired?
The combination of citrus and habanero peppers is common in Cuban cuisine, and this dessert takes inspiration from the balance of sweet, tangy and spicy flavors found in many Cuban dishes.
Enjoy this slice of Key West sunshine with its sunny flavors, a hint of tropical heat, and a whole lot of Cuban-inspired love baked right into it. Happy baking, and may every bite remind you of the island's vibrant spirit!