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Key Lime Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 123 reviews

These Key Lime Bars feature a tangy and creamy key lime filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with a light whipped cream topping infused with lime zest. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, they make a refreshing dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 6 oz cream cheese
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 Tablespoon lime zest
  • 1/2 cup key lime juice

Topping

  • 1/4 cup whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon confectioners sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove it and allow it to cool slightly to set.
  4. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, beating until fully combined. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the tablespoon of lime zest and the key lime juice, blending everything evenly.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the lime filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Bake again for 15-20 minutes until the edges are set and the center is just about set but still slightly jiggly.
  6. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to fully chill and firm up.
  7. Make the Whipped Cream Topping: Just before serving, whip the cream with the confectioners sugar and 2 teaspoons lime zest until stiff peaks form. Spread or dollop the whipped cream evenly over the chilled key lime bars.

Notes

  • Use fresh key lime juice whenever possible for the best flavor; bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
  • Chilling the bars thoroughly ensures clean slices and optimal texture.
  • You can garnish with additional lime zest or thin lime slices for presentation.
  • Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers.

Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/key-lime-bars-recipe/