Description
Key lime pie bars deliver a tangy tropical twist on classic dessert. Creamy lime filling nestles atop a buttery graham cracker crust, offering you a refreshing slice of Florida-inspired sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Key Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
Finishing Ingredient:
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Set oven to 350°F and carefully line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand with consistent texture.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact layer using the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth and pale, then incorporate sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lime juice, and lime zest until fully blended and uniform.
- Gently pour the vibrant lime filling over the pre-baked crust, ensuring complete and even coverage across the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect set without overcooking.
- Remove from oven and let bars cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours to allow bars to firm up and develop optimal flavor.
- Using parchment paper edges, lift the entire dessert from the pan and slice into uniform squares using a sharp knife.
Notes
- Ensure graham crackers are finely crushed to create a smooth, even crust that holds together perfectly.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the most vibrant, tangy flavor that makes these bars truly spectacular.
- Chill the bars thoroughly to help them set and develop a rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almonds to accommodate dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg