Description
Discover the tangy, creamy delight of Key Lime Pie Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust and luscious citrus lime filling. This quick and easy recipe yields a perfectly balanced tart and sweet treat ideal for any occasion, featuring a crisp base and smooth, creamy filling that refreshes and satisfies.
Ingredients
Scale
Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Filling
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh Key lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Lime zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until golden and set. Let cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling: Whisk egg yolks and sugar until smooth and pale. Stir in sweetened condensed milk, fresh Key lime juice, and a pinch of salt, mixing until filling thickens slightly and is thoroughly combined.
- Bake the Bars: Pour filling over warm crust and spread evenly. Bake again at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, until edges barely brown and filling is set but still slightly jiggly in center.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least two hours to firm up filling for perfect slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped between slices for cleaner cuts. Garnish with whipped cream and lime zest as desired and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh Key limes for the brightest authentic flavor; bottled lime juice is an acceptable substitute.
- Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling when cutting.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain creamy and smooth filling texture.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for best results.
- Experiment by adding coarse salt on top for sweet-salty contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Key Lime Pie Bars, Lime dessert, Citrus dessert, Summer dessert, Easy pie bars, Tart and creamy dessert