Description
Key lime pie bars deliver a zesty tropical twist on classic dessert flavors. Creamy, tangy filling nestles over a buttery graham cracker crust, offering you a refreshing slice of sweet paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 g) butter, melted
- 1 (14 oz/400 g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 2 tbsps lime zest
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish to create an even crust layer.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it appears golden and set, then remove and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, freshly squeezed key lime juice, and finely grated lime zest until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-incorporated.
- Carefully pour the key lime filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a set but slightly trembling center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie bars cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize.
- Refrigerate the cooled bars for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the filling to firm up and develop optimal flavor.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges and slice into neat squares.
- Optional: Garnish with additional lime zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Use fresh key lime juice instead of bottled for a more vibrant, authentic citrus flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
- Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean, precise cuts and a firmer texture that holds its shape perfectly.
- Reduce sugar content by using low-fat sweetened condensed milk or a sugar substitute for a lighter, more diet-friendly version of this classic dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg