Description
These Key Lime Pie Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a tangy and creamy key lime filling, perfect for a refreshing dessert that’s easy to prepare and delightful for lime lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
Optional topping:
- Whipped cream
- Lime zest
- Thin lime slices
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well combined. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until thick and pale, about 1–2 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Bake the bars: Pour the lime filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggles.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to set completely.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into 9 bars and optionally top with whipped cream, additional lime zest, or thin lime slices before serving.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, chill the crust in the refrigerator after pre-baking before adding the filling.
- Bottled key lime juice is a convenient substitute if fresh key limes are unavailable.
- The bars can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
