Key Lime Pie Bars (Printer-friendly)

Tangy lime filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, ideal for a light, refreshing treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Graham Cracker Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Key Lime Filling

04 - 4 large egg yolks
05 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
06 - 1/2 cup key lime juice, fresh or bottled
07 - 1 tablespoon key lime zest
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

09 - Whipped cream, for serving
10 - Extra lime zest or thin lime slices

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
04 - While the crust cools, whisk egg yolks in a large bowl until thickened, about 1 minute. Whisk in sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth.
05 - Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
06 - Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3-4 hours until fully chilled. Lift bars from the pan using parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares. Garnish with whipped cream and extra lime zest or slices, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sweet tart filling tastes like sunshine even on cloudy days
  • They somehow get better after a day in the fridge making them perfect for prep ahead entertaining
02 -
  • The center should still jiggle slightly when you take it out of the oven because it keeps cooking as it cools
  • Never skip the chilling time or these will be impossible to cut neatly
03 -
  • Press the crust into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup for an even layer
  • Purchase key lime juice in bottles if you cannot find fresh key limes regular limes work too

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