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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

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These creamy Key Lime Pie Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and tangy key lime filling, and a zesty whipped topping, perfect for a refreshing summer dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon key lime zest
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add melted butter and mix until crumbs are evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, mixing well after each addition. Beat in egg yolks one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in key lime juice and zest. Pour filling over cooled crust and spread evenly.
  3. Bake bars for 15-18 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
  4. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in lime zest. Spread or pipe whipped topping evenly over chilled bars before serving.
  5. Cut into 16 bars using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth filling. Do not overbake to avoid cracks. Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for best results. Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours before topping and serving. Fresh key limes are preferred for best flavor. For gluten-free crust, substitute graham crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. Dairy-free options include coconut cream and vegan cream cheese.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-key-lime-pie-bars-recipe-easy-zesty-whipped-topping-steps/