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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe Easy Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

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These creamy key lime pie bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy lime filling, perfect for a quick and refreshing summer dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full sheets)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (about 20–25 key limes or bottled)
  • 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
  • Optional Topping:
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • Extra lime zest or thin lime slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.
  4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden and toasty. Remove and let cool slightly.
  5. Whisk egg yolks in a medium bowl until thickened and pale, about 2 minutes.
  6. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk, whisking constantly to blend smoothly.
  7. Stir in fresh key lime juice and lime zest; the mixture will thicken slightly.
  8. Pour the lime filling evenly over the warm crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  11. Optional: Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe over chilled bars and garnish with lime zest or slices.
  12. Slice bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cuts. Serve chilled.

Notes

Do not rush chilling; it firms the filling and melds flavors. Avoid zesting the white pith of limes to prevent bitterness. Press crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Watch baking times to prevent cracks and dryness. Keep cream and tools cold when whipping topping. For a tropical twist, add vanilla extract or coconut rum to filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime pie bars, creamy key lime bars, graham cracker crust, easy dessert, summer dessert, tangy lime bars

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-key-lime-pie-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-graham-cracker-crust/