Miami's Ten Best Key Lime Pies

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Sweetness Bakeshop & Cafe

A dessert tradition adopted locally by travelers to Key West who came back loving the sharper taste of the smaller key lime species, this contribution to the world of pie-dom is now sought by die-hard fans. Tart and creamy, key lime pie can be covered in meringue or sparsely dolloped with fresh whipped cream. Either way, it's the pie for which Florida has become famous.

Key lime juice has a yellowish tone and in its finished pie format can look deceptively like lemon meringue in the bakery case. Even an educated sweet seeker always asks.

In this year's "Best of Miami" issue, the Bar in Coral Gables took top honors for its version, but where else can you find a slice of killer key lime pie in the city? Here's our Top 10.

Lesley Elliott

10. Juvia's deconstructed adaptation of key lime pie ($8) wins points for creativity;  in a glass, hardened meringue fingers are balanced on a base of custard. The ripe taste of fresh, tart lime is concentrated, and there is a shortbread crumble for additional crunch.

Fireman Derek's Famous Pies

9. Firefighter Derek Kaplan's other job is making fantastic pies, so when he's not in uniform, he's in the kitchen baking (a girl's dream come true). Fireman Derek's (2600 N. Miami Ave., 786-449-2517) key lime pies are available whole ($15) or in single-serving cups ($3 each or ten for $25). You can get them directly from the source or find them at La Camaronera, which serves them in its restaurant and from its food truck, the Fish Box.