Description
Key lime pie bars bring zesty Florida citrus to a classic dessert. Creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust offer refreshing summer comfort you can savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Key Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Arrange oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
- Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs. Mix with granulated sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base layer using the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula.
- Whisk egg yolks until smooth and pale, then incorporate sweetened condensed milk, stirring until fully integrated.
- Add key lime juice and zest to the egg mixture, blending thoroughly to ensure a consistent, vibrant flavor profile.
- Gently pour the lime-infused filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges should appear lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for 3-4 hours until fully set and firm.
- Lift the bars out using parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Swap regular graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version.
- Ensure key limes are fresh and ripe to maximize the tangy, bright flavor profile of the bars.
- Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges and prevent crumbling.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for smooth, professional-looking bar slices that showcase the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg