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A stack of Key Lime Pie Bars with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream, lime zest, and a lime wedge, served on a floral plate.

Key Lime Pie Bars

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These creamy and tangy key lime pie bars are the perfect handheld version of the classic dessert, complete with a simple graham cracker crust.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 12 full-sheet graham crackers crumbled into fine crumbs
  • 6 Tablespoons 85g unsalted butter melted for binding the crumbs
  • ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar adds sweetness to the crust
For the Filling:
  • 4 ounces 113g full-fat brick cream cheese softened helps achieve a smooth and creamy filling
  • 4 large egg yolks adds richness and helps the filling set
  • 14- ounce 397g can of sweetened condensed milk provides sweetness and creaminess
  • ½ cup 120ml key lime juice provides the tangy lime flavor
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest from about 1 lime or 2 key limes (for an extra zing of citrus flavor)
Optional Garnishes:
  • Whipped cream for topping
  • Lime slices for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Set aside.
  2. For the crust, use a food processor or rolling pin to crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix these crumbs with sugar in a medium bowl, then stir in the melted butter. The mixture should be coarse and sandy. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Prebake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool for a few minutes while you prepare the filling.
  4. For the filling, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the egg yolks and continue mixing. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until fully combined. After mixing with the mixer, whisk the mixture by hand to ensure there are no lumps. Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust.
  5. Bake the bars for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to set completely.
  6. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares. Garnish with whipped cream, lime slices, and additional lime zest, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 80gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 0.6mg

Notes

These key lime pie bars are a refreshing treat, perfect for any gathering. Be sure to let them chill completely before cutting to achieve the best texture!

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