Blake Lively’s Key Lime Pie secret ingredient is delicious in many baking recipes
When Blake Lively shares a food hack, people are hungry to discover that tasty tidbit. In her recent Vogue interview, the talented actress, and baker, whipped up a creamy, zesty Key Lime Pie. For those with a keen eye, and a love of cocktails, they instantly spotted the real flavor enhancer, Grand Marnier.
Although most regular people would not bake in a sequenced mini dress, many people would agree with Blake Lively’s assessment that "Grand Marnier is the most important part" of her Key Lime Pie recipe. Even though she let this secret out, bakers appreciate the nuanced flavor that this liquor offers in a dessert.
Similar to how Grand Marnier adds depth to a margarita or punches the citrus in a sidecar, the iconic liquor has been used in various recipes. Personally, my grandma would add a nip or two into ambrosia salad (after enjoying a sip for herself).
The complexity of cognac and orange liqueur makes Grand Marnier a staple. While it might help make that impressive tableside flambe, the home baker can easily add a pour to a wide array of desserts, just like Blake Lively’s not so secret hack Key Lime Pie hack.
The reason why Grand Marnier works well in the Key Lime pie is because it balances the lime’s tartness. That combination of sweet and tart is sophisticated, yet still approachable.
Here’s the Grand Marnier Key Lime Pie Recipe.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup sugar
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
4 large egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup freshly squeezed Key lime juice
1 tbsp Key lime zest
2 tbsp Grand Marnier
Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk. Add Key lime juice, zest, and Grand Marnier, and whisk until smooth.
Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15 minutes. Allow the pie to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Top with whipped cream and additional lime zest before serving.
While this Key Lime Pie recipe might be having a moment, there are plenty of other recipes using the liquor. From Grand Marnier Orange Spice Cake Recipe to Grand Marnier Cranberry Tart Recipe, the spirit helps bring some balance to fruit flavors. From adding depth to citrus to balancing tartness, it is the recipe hack that more people should discover.