Description
Key lime pie bars bring zesty Florida sunshine to your dessert table with a perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy sweetness. Crumbly graham cracker crust and silky lime filling create a refreshing treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Filling:
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) melted butter
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
Garnish:
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with light greasing.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, creating a cohesive base mixture.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue, then remove and allow to cool completely.
- Whisk egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk, incorporating fresh lime juice and zest until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
- Gently pour the vibrant lime filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for the filling to set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Remove from oven and let the bars cool at room temperature until they reach ambient temperature.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up and develop a rich, creamy texture.
- Slice into neat squares and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, serving chilled for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor instead of bottled juice which can taste flat or artificial.
- Chill bars thoroughly to help them set perfectly and develop a clean, crisp slice when cutting into squares.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or zest on top for extra texture and a tropical garnish that elevates the visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg