Description
These Key Lime Pie Bars offer a tangy and creamy dessert experience with a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious key lime filling. Easy to prepare and chilled to perfection, they make a refreshing treat perfect for summer or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
Garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Lime slices
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, mixing until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and key lime zest until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Pour this filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the filling is just set and barely jiggles in the center. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a creamy texture.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or until they are chilled and firm enough to slice.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares and garnish with whipped cream and lime slices if desired. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Substitute regular lime juice if key lime juice is not available, though the flavor will be less distinctive.
- To create a thicker crust, increase the graham cracker crumbs to 2 cups and the melted butter to 8 tablespoons.
- These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts.