Smoked Key Lime Tart

Wait, what? Yep. I said that. Smokey, sweet, tart.

I have taken my favorite dessert - EVER - and created a recipe you can do on your smoker! If you do not love the idea of smokey, sweet, and tart; that is fine! Just substitute oven for the smoker and we are golden!

This recipe is super simple and has quickly become a crowd favorite for family and friends. This recipe is also versatile, you can make these tasty treats in a full pie size or in delectable, tart-size as well.

Lime vs Key Lime

Yes, there is a difference.

"Can I substitute limes if I cannot find key limes?"

Yes, but you will not get the same result.

"Will it still taste good?"

Yes, absolutely!

The main difference (if I had the ability to describe it) is key lime juice is a gem for being tart and perfect in desserts, where lime juice would be described as being tangy. While both are aromatic, key limes have a distinct smell. You can substitute limes at any time, but I must say, I prefer key limes when it comes to desserts. Most other recipes I use limes.

Let's get started...

Ingredients for the crust:

• 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs

• 5 tablespoons of unsalted melted butter

• 2 tablespoons of white sugar

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Smash the graham crackers until all large pieces are absorbed into the powder. I used a meat mallet and a plastic bag.

2. Next, add the melted butter, white sugar, and pinch (1/2 teaspoon) of salt into a food processor and mix until the consistency is smooth.

3. Add mixture to muffin tins. I used a ramekin slightly smaller than the muffin tin to pack the crust tight. Also, if you have silicon muffin tins, I highly recommend using those to minimize the crust and filling sticking.

4. Set the smoker to 325 degrees

5. When the smoker is to temperature, bake the crust for 10-11 minutes until it is set.

6. Remove and set aside to cool

Ingredients for the filling:

• 6 egg yolks

• 2-14oz cans of sweetened condensed milk

• 4oz of freshly squeezed key lime juice

• 2 tablespoons of key lime zest

• 16oz of heavy whipping cream

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla

Instructions

1. Set the smoker to 350 degrees

2. Using a stand mixer (kitchen aid/bosch) whisk the egg yolks until the consistency is light and visibly fluffy.

3. Add sweetened condensed milk, heavy whipping cream, lime juice, lime zest, white sugar, and vanilla until well-mixed.

4. When the mixture is smooth, pour into the individual muffin tins (~12-15).

5. Place muffin tins in the pre-heated smoker (350 degrees) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the mixture is set.

6. After baking, remove the mixture from the smoker and place it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Voila! Enjoy!