Description
Key Lime Pie Bars deliver zesty Florida sunshine in a creamy, tangy dessert. Silky graham cracker crust and luscious lime filling create a refreshing treat that brings tropical paradise directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) original cream cheese, room temperature
- 14 ounces (397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Crust Ingredients:
- 15 sheets graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pinch salt
Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch (23×23 centimeters) baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for effortless removal.
- Transform graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a large resealable plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and melted unsalted butter in a medium mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture achieves a consistent, moldable texture.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and set, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually incorporate the sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese, mixing thoroughly to create a velvety base.
- Carefully add egg yolks one at a time, blending completely after each addition to ensure a uniform mixture.
- Introduce fresh lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, and pure vanilla extract, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently pour the lime-infused filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface in an even layer.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching carefully to prevent browning and ensure the filling is just set with a slight wobble in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator.
- Chill the bars for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to completely set.
- Using a sharp knife, cut into precise squares and serve chilled.
- Store any remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Elevate your dessert game with these tangy, creamy bars that pack a zesty punch of tropical flavor.
- Crushing graham crackers creates the perfect crispy foundation for this irresistible sweet treat.
- Smooth cream cheese and condensed milk blend together to form a silky, luxurious filling that melts in your mouth.
- Fresh lime juice and zest deliver a bright, citrusy kick that transforms ordinary bars into an extraordinary dessert experience.
- Chilling allows flavors to develop fully, ensuring each bite is more delicious than the last.
- Storing in an airtight container helps maintain the bars’ perfect texture and keeps them fresh for multiple days of enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 272 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 185 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: <1 g
- Protein: 3.6 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg