Description
Sweet and tangy key lime pie bars bring zesty Florida flavors to classic dessert magic. Creamy graham cracker crust and silky lime filling promise refreshing indulgence you’ll crave after one delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pinch salt
Key Lime Filling Ingredients:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh Key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Topping Ingredients (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and strategically line an 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for easy removal.
- Craft the foundational graham cracker crust by thoroughly blending crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a subtle salt accent until uniformly combined and compressed firmly into the pan’s base.
- Toast the crust briefly for 8-10 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden, crisp texture while cooling to room temperature.
- Create the vibrant lime filling by whisking egg yolks and fragrant lime zest until the mixture transforms into a slightly thickened consistency.
- Incorporate sweetened condensed milk into the egg mixture, stirring until achieving a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Introduce freshly squeezed lime juice, gently mixing until the filling becomes completely homogeneous and bright.
- Carefully pour the zesty filling over the pre-baked crust, ensuring even distribution.
- Return the pan to the oven, baking for 15-18 minutes until the center displays a subtle, elegant jiggle – indicating perfect custard-like setting.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours to solidify and intensify flavors.
- Utilize the parchment paper overhang to gracefully lift the entire dessert from the pan.
- Slice into precise squares, presenting the chilled bars with optional garnishes like billowy whipped cream or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Select graham crackers with the least sugar for a less sweet crust that balances the tangy lime filling perfectly.
- Zest limes carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, ensuring only the bright green outer layer gets incorporated for maximum flavor intensity.
- Chill the bars completely before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges and prevent the filling from crumbling or spreading.
- Swap traditional graham cracker crust with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg