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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

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Easy homemade dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, tangy key lime filling. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 can (14 oz or 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 4–5 key limes)
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra lime zest or thin lime slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  4. Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared pan in an even layer.
  5. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  6. Whisk egg yolks in a bowl until smooth and pale, about 2 minutes.
  7. Gradually whisk in sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
  8. Add fresh key lime juice, lime zest (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until the filling thickens slightly.
  9. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  11. Remove from oven and cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  12. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  13. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 9 or 12 squares.
  14. Garnish with whipped cream and extra lime zest or thin lime slices if desired.

Notes

Use fresh key lime juice for best flavor; regular lime juice works as a substitute. Do not overbake the filling to maintain creamy texture. Chill bars thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts. Running a knife under hot water before slicing helps prevent sticking. For dairy-free or vegan versions, use coconut milk sweetened condensed milk and plant-based butter substitutes. Gluten-free graham cracker crumbs can be used for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

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

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