Florida Bakeries Making Key Lime Pie A Must-Have Treat
Florida’s signature dessert, the Key lime pie, combines tangy citrus with creamy sweetness to create the perfect tropical treat.
From the Florida Keys to the Panhandle, bakeries across the Sunshine State have perfected their own special versions of this iconic pie. I’ve sampled slices from coast to coast to bring you the absolute best spots where you can enjoy this legendary dessert in all its zesty glory.
1. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Hidden in the heart of Key West, Kermit’s has been the holy grail for Key lime pie enthusiasts since 1992. Their classic recipe features a graham cracker crust that perfectly balances sweetness with the tangy filling made from genuine Key limes.
What makes Kermit’s special? Their chocolate-dipped Key lime pie on a stick! This frozen delight transforms the traditional dessert into a portable treat perfect for hot Florida days.
Visitors often line up outside this charming green building to sample what many consider the most authentic Key lime pie in Florida. The secret lies in their commitment to using only real Key lime juice never the bottled stuff giving each bite that distinctive zing that artificial versions simply can’t match.
2. Blue Heaven in Key West
Nestled in a historic building surrounded by free-roaming chickens, Blue Heaven offers a Key lime pie experience that’s as unique as its setting. Their signature mile-high meringue topping has become legendary among dessert lovers across the country.
The contrast between the billowy, sweet meringue and the tart Key lime filling creates a flavor explosion that’s truly unforgettable. Beneath it all sits a buttery crust that adds the perfect textural foundation.
Enjoying a slice in their quirky outdoor garden while roosters strut past your table adds to the authentic Keys experience. Celebrity chef Bobby Flay once declared it the best Key lime pie he’d ever tasted high praise that keeps pie pilgrims flocking to this Bahama Village institution year after year.
3. Old Town Bakery’s Handcrafted Delight
Tucked away on Eaton Street in Key West, Old Town Bakery crafts Key lime pies that locals swear by as the island’s best-kept secret. Unlike many commercial versions, their filling has a custard-like consistency that melts in your mouth with each heavenly bite.
The bakery’s French-trained pastry chef creates a crust using real butter instead of margarine, resulting in a rich, flaky foundation that complements the tangy filling perfectly. When you step inside, the aroma of freshly baked goods instantly tells you this place takes dessert seriously.
I love how they balance sweetness and acidity not too tart, not too sugary, just right. Their pies sell out almost daily, so arriving early guarantees you won’t miss out on this authentic slice of Florida culinary tradition.
4. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo
Just as you enter the Florida Keys, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen welcomes travelers with a slice of paradise in pie form. License plates cover the walls of this quirky roadside spot, but it’s their award-winning Key lime pie that truly deserves your attention.
The recipe hasn’t changed since 1976, featuring a perfect balance of sweetness and tang in a creamy, pale yellow filling. Their secret? Using condensed milk that’s been chilled overnight before mixing with fresh Key lime juice.
Locals and tourists alike rave about the consistency firm enough to hold its shape when sliced but still wonderfully smooth and creamy. The generous portion sizes mean you’ll leave satisfied, though many visitors can’t resist buying a whole pie to take home as the ultimate Florida souvenir.
5. Joe’s Stone Crab’s Legendary Recipe
Miami Beach’s iconic Joe’s Stone Crab may be famous for its seafood, but their Key lime pie has achieved cult status among dessert connoisseurs. Dating back to 1913, this restaurant’s recipe has remained virtually unchanged for generations.
Their version features an intensely yellow filling evidence of real Key lime juice with a texture that’s simultaneously light and rich. The contrast between the cool, creamy filling and the warm-toned graham cracker crust creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
Though getting a table at Joe’s can be challenging during stone crab season, their Key lime pie is available year-round at the takeaway counter. Many Miami locals skip the main course entirely and head straight for this spectacular finale, proving that sometimes dessert deserves to be the main event.
6. Publix Supermarket’s Surprising Contender
Sometimes the best treats come from unexpected places. Florida’s beloved Publix supermarket chain has developed a Key lime pie that rivals many specialty bakeries across the state. Their bakery department produces a consistently delicious version that’s become a go-to for locals hosting gatherings.
The filling strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, while the graham cracker crust maintains its integrity without becoming soggy. At less than $15 for a whole pie, it’s also one of the most affordable options on this list.
Many visitors to Florida are surprised to learn that one of the state’s most reliable Key lime pies comes from a grocery store. For impromptu beach picnics or vacation rental desserts, Publix’s version delivers authentic Florida flavor without the specialty bakery price tag.
7. The Key Lime Pie Factory in Madeira Beach
If variety is what you’re after, The Key Lime Pie Factory along Florida’s Gulf Coast offers creative spins on the classic dessert. From traditional recipes to chocolate-swirled versions and even Key lime pie in a coconut crust, this specialty shop elevates the humble pie to art form status.
Their signature creation features a filling that’s creamier than most, with a texture reminiscent of cheesecake but maintaining that essential Key lime tang. The shop’s beachy vibe perfectly complements their tropical treats.
I’m particularly fond of their mini pies, which let you sample different variations without committing to a full-sized dessert. During peak tourist season, they sell hundreds of pies daily testament to their mastery of Florida’s favorite dessert and their status as a must-visit destination for Key lime enthusiasts.
8. Key West Key Lime Pie Company’s Artisanal Approach
Housed in a cheerful yellow building on Greene Street, the Key West Key Lime Pie Company embraces an artisanal approach to Florida’s signature dessert. Their pies feature hand-squeezed Key lime juice and a secret family recipe that’s been perfected over decades.
What sets them apart is their commitment to all-natural ingredients no artificial colors or preservatives ever touch their pies. The result is a clean, bright flavor that lets the genuine Key lime shine through. Their crust achieves the perfect texture: not too crumbly, not too firm.
During my visit, I watched as bakers crafted small batches throughout the day to ensure maximum freshness. The shop also offers innovative variations like Key lime pie dipped in Belgian chocolate a decadent twist that somehow manages to enhance rather than overwhelm the classic flavor profile.
9. Bob Roth’s New River Groves in Davie
Since 1964, this family-owned citrus stand and bakery has been delighting South Floridians with their “Terry’s Famous Key Lime Pies.” Named after the owner’s wife who perfected the recipe, these pies have become an institution in Broward County.
The filling has a distinctive pale yellow color proof they’re using authentic Key lime juice rather than regular limes or artificial flavoring. Their graham cracker crust has a hint of cinnamon that adds unexpected depth to each bite.
Located in a quirky building shaped like an orange, New River Groves combines old Florida charm with genuinely exceptional baking. During holiday seasons, they ship thousands of pies nationwide to homesick Floridians craving an authentic taste of the Sunshine State. The combination of family tradition and quality ingredients makes this roadside attraction worth the detour.
10. Yoder’s Restaurant’s Amish-Inspired Creation
Amish tradition meets Florida flavor at Yoder’s Restaurant in Sarasota, where their Key lime pie has achieved legendary status among locals and tourists alike. Though better known for their peanut butter pie, Yoder’s Key lime version deserves equal acclaim.
Their recipe features an exceptionally thick graham cracker crust that provides the perfect foundation for the creamy, tart filling. The generous layer of whipped cream on top isn’t just decoration it’s an integral part of the experience, balancing the citrus notes perfectly.
Despite being far from the Florida Keys, this Amish restaurant has mastered the art of this quintessential Florida dessert. The contrast between the simple, homespun atmosphere and the sophisticated balance of flavors in their pie creates an unexpected but delightful culinary experience that keeps customers returning year after year.
11. Columbia Restaurant’s Century-Old Excellence
Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia in Ybor City (Tampa), brings over a century of culinary expertise to their Key lime pie. Established in 1905, this Spanish restaurant might seem an unlikely place for outstanding Florida pie, but their version has become a must-try dessert.
The Columbia’s take features a filling that’s slightly firmer than most, allowing for picture-perfect slices every time. Their secret lies in the balance of condensed milk to Key lime juice, creating a silky texture that’s neither too heavy nor too light.
After enjoying their famous Cuban sandwiches or paella, saving room for this citrusy finale is absolutely essential. The contrast between the restaurant’s ornate Spanish decor with colorful tiles and the simple, clean flavors of their Key lime pie creates a dining experience that perfectly captures Florida’s diverse cultural heritage.
12. Key Lime Bakery in Naples
This dedicated Key lime specialty shop in Naples elevates the humble pie to gourmet status. Their signature version features a filling that strikes the perfect balance between creamy and firm, with just enough tartness to make your taste buds sing without overwhelming them.
What makes this bakery special is their willingness to experiment with the classic formula. Their Key lime pie with a macadamia nut crust offers a tropical twist that perfectly complements the citrus filling. For chocolate lovers, their chocolate-swirled version adds decadence without compromising the essential Key lime flavor.
During my visit, I noticed how the staff educates customers about the difference between authentic Key limes and Persian limes. This commitment to tradition while embracing innovation makes the Key Lime Bakery a standout destination for both purists and those seeking new flavor adventures.
