Description
Creamy key lime pie bars deliver a tangy tropical dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Zesty lime filling nestled on a graham cracker crust promises a refreshing slice of Florida’s classic flavor profile that you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 tbsps (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh Key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Set oven to 350F (175C) and line an 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating extended edges for effortless removal.
- Create Crust Foundation: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt into a uniform mixture, then press firmly into the pan’s base. Toast the crust for 8-10 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp texture, then cool to room temperature.
- Craft Lime Filling: Whisk egg yolks and lime zest until slightly thickened, then fold in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Gently incorporate freshly squeezed lime juice, mixing until the filling becomes completely homogeneous and vibrant.
- Bake and Set: Pour the zesty filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, then return to the oven. Bake 15-18 minutes until the center displays a subtle jiggle, indicating perfect custard-like consistency.
- Chill and Serve: Cool the bars completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to solidify and intensify flavors. Using parchment paper overhang, lift the dessert from the pan and slice into precise squares. Garnish optionally with whipped cream or powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Zest Strategically: Grate lime zest before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and prevent drying out the lime.
- Prevent Curdling: Temper egg yolks gradually with condensed milk to avoid scrambling and maintain smooth filling consistency.
- Crust Compression Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact, stable base that won’t crumble when cutting.
- Chilling Matters: Refrigerate bars for at least 3 hours to develop deeper flavor complexity and ensure clean, precise cutting lines.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 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: 90 mg