And Why You Should Consider This Yummy Wedding Cake Alternative
As you plan your dream Key West wedding, maybe you are wondering what an alternative for cake would be. And even better, maybe you are hoping to find a dessert that represents Key West tradition and history. Welp, we’ve got the perfect one – Key lime pie! Let’s look at the history of Key lime pie as well as how you can incorporate this delicious, local dessert into your wedding.
We at Plan Your Key West Wedding love this sugary yet tangy dessert and fully approve it as an ideal cake replacement for your special day. Stick around as we point out where it originated from and some of the best spots to get yourself a slice or a huge order for your wedding.
The History of Key Lime Pie
A great alternative to make your Key West wedding pop is to incorporate the history and the deliciousness of a Key lime pie. Key lime pies have a rich history in Florida and are an excellent stand-in for traditional wedding cakes.
There is very little known for certain about the origins of the pie but there is a bit of controversy and disagreement surrounding it.
The commonly held belief in the Florida Keys is that Key lime pies originated in the 19th Century around the Florida Keys. Local lore says the recipe is attributed to an “Aunt Sally” who created the dessert in the famous Curry Mansion Inn. Other people say the recipe was created in New York City by Borden Milk (using lemons instead of Key limes) in an effort to popularize their condensed milk. They say the recipe was then brought to South Florida where they substituted the local Key limes. Locals disagree with this theory — they say it was Borden Milk who actually took the Key lime pie recipe, changing it for their own use.
Regardless of the actual truth, which may never be known, Key lime pie holds a near-and-dear place in most locals’ hearts and anyone would be hard-pressed to convince them that it did not directly come from this southernmost paradise.
History of Key Lime Pie in Popular Culture
While Key lime trees are both prosperous and numerous in the Florida Keys, the trees aren’t actually native here. The trees are actually from Malaysia but were thought to have been brought to the Keys in the late 1400s by none other than Christopher Columbus.
In 1965, Bernie Papy Jr., Florida’s rep back then, moved a motion to fine anyone advertising pie made from any other limes besides the key lime. The fine was set at $100. However, the bill never passed.
Another notable development is that in 2006, a Florida statute made the Key lime pie the state’s official dessert. There are only eight states in the United States that have an official dessert, making this a big pronouncement.
How to Make Key Lime Pie
Not surprisingly, the trademark ingredient of Key lime pie is Key lime juice. Key lime trees are prevalent around the Florida Keys; the year-round warm weather makes it the perfect place to grow this delicious and tart dessert.
Florida residents with passed down knowledge about Key lime pies will discredit using any other lime besides the Key lime. Key limes look like small golf balls and have rich citric acid that gives the pie its tangy yet sweet taste, a taste notably different than its cousin, the traditional lime.
While recipes vary, the traditional method of making key lime pie includes condensed milk, sugar, eggs, and the famous Key lime juice. This process creates the creamy custard for the pie filling. The high acidity levels made baking the pie unnecessary as it could naturally curdle it. Most have a graham cracker crust.
Later, Key lime pie recipes started making their way into cookbooks, spreading the discovered awesomeness and popularizing it as a native Florida dessert.
Why You Should Consider the Key Lime Pie for Your Wedding
Here are some reasons you should consider the Key lime pie instead of a traditional wedding cake:
- A Slice of Local Fare: It only stands to reason that you are having a destination wedding here in Key West because you love the people and the area. One of the greatest joys of having a destination wedding is sharing these local traditions and culture with your guests. Having key lime pie at your wedding is a great way to share a piece of the local cuisine with your guests, giving them a slice of something different and exotic.
- Variety: Key lime pies come in different recipes you can have fun with. In addition to a traditional key lime pie, your baker may be able to create some different varieties of pies, possibly playing on themes or preferences. But in our humble opinion, the classic recipe is always best.
- Offer Mini-Pies: To make life a bit easier, consider offering mini-pies instead of pie slices. If your baker makes individual portions, you don’t have to worry about having someone slice or portion the pie. This makes service quicker and easier.
Great Spots for Key Lime Pie in Key West
While finding a reputable place to get Key lime pie is challenging, Plan Your Key West Wedding can help you find the best vendors in Key West. Contact us for the connections you need to streamline your wedding planning.
That said, here is a list of top-ranking Key lime pie spots in Key West:
- Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe: In your Key lime pie research, there is a good chance you came across the name Kermit Carpenter. He is well-versed in making Key lime pies, among many other types of local desserts. You can’t miss his restaurant on the corner of Elizabeth and Green – and yes that is him standing outside teasing passersby with his pie. Kermit also has another location on Duval.
- El Mason de Pepe: This Cuban restaurant created the Torta de Limon, its variation of the Key lime pie. The pie is only one among its many attractions, not forgetting the view it offers from the patio.
- Blue Heaven & Saluté! On the Beach: Step back into “old Key West” with a visit to the infamous Blue Heaven or enjoy your dessert with a beach view at its sister restaurant Saluté! This family-only restaurant only tweaks the traditional recipe slightly, maintaining the original richness of the Key lime pie but adding a heap of meringue.
Most bakers and caterers in the area also create a mean Key lime pie so don’t be afraid to ask yours if they can add Key lime pie to your wedding day menu!
Check out our Key West wedding bakers and caterers today!
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