Description
Key lime pie bars bring a zesty Florida sunshine right to your kitchen counter. Creamy, tangy filling nestled over a buttery graham cracker crust creates the perfect summer dessert that whispers tropical vacation vibes with each delightful slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) key lime juice
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange parchment paper in an 8×8 inch pan, allowing sides to hang over for easy removal.
- Mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs with ⅓ cup sugar, then stir in 6 tablespoons melted butter until crumbs feel like damp sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly across the pan’s bottom, creating an even, compact layer.
- Bake the crust for 9 minutes until edges turn golden brown, then remove and let rest at room temperature.
- Separate 4 egg yolks into a clean mixing bowl and whisk them until they become pale yellow.
- Add the entire 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk to the egg yolks, stirring until completely incorporated.
- Pour ½ cup key lime juice and sprinkle 1 teaspoon lime zest into the mixture, whisking until the filling looks smooth and creamy.
- Gently pour the lime filling over the warm crust, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 22 minutes, watching for a set center that still has a slight wobble when nudged.
- Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow bars to reach room temperature, then refrigerate for 3 hours before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives if preparing for someone with dietary restrictions.
- Grate fresh lime zest for the most vibrant, authentic citrus flavor in the filling.
- Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting to ensure clean, precise slices that hold their shape.
- Use room temperature eggs to help create a smoother, more consistent filling texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg