Description
Tangy and creamy Key Lime Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth lime-infused filling, and optional whipped cream topping. Perfectly balanced sweetness and tartness make this a refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 large egg yolks
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Optional Topping
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Bake crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, until set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Whisk filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, vanilla extract, softened cream cheese, egg yolks, kosher salt, and lime zest until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Bake bars: Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until the filling is mostly set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
- Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set and chill.
- Decorate: Before serving, optionally garnish with whipped cream for added richness and presentation. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice for authentic flavor, or substitute with regular lime juice if unavailable.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth filling consistency.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to prevent dryness.
- Chilling is essential for bars to firm up and slice cleanly.
- Graham cracker crust can be substituted with digestive biscuits or other preferred cookie crumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: key lime bars, lime dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy lime bars, citrus dessert
