Creating your Award Winning Key Lime Pie is simple if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
4. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until thick and pale. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, whisking until smooth.
5. Add Lime Juice and Zest: Stir in the fresh key lime juice and key lime zest until fully combined.
6. Fill the Crust: Pour the filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the Pie: Place the pie back in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
8. Chill the Pie: Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow it to set properly.
9. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
10. Top the Pie: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the pie just before serving.

These straightforward steps will guide you through the process of making an award-winning dessert that will wow everyone!