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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

creamy key lime pie bars - featured image

These creamy key lime pie bars feature a tangy, velvety filling paired with a buttery graham cracker crust, delivering a refreshing tropical dessert that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 can (14 oz or 396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) fresh key lime juice (about 1215 key limes)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional)
  • Whipped cream (optional garnish)
  • Additional lime zest or lime slices (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press it evenly into the prepared pan, packing it down firmly. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Slowly add key lime juice, whisking until fully incorporated. Stir in lime zest for extra flavor.
  4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  5. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overbaking—it should have a slight jiggle in the center.
  6. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
  7. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles, and garnish with whipped cream and lime zest if desired.

Notes

[‘Use parchment paper for easy removal and intact crust.’, ‘Fresh key limes provide the best flavor, but bottled juice or regular limes can be substituted.’, ‘Avoid overmixing the filling to maintain a creamy texture.’, ‘Chill the bars fully before cutting for the best shape and flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime pie bars, creamy dessert, tropical treat, easy dessert recipe, summer dessert