Description
Creamy key lime pie bars blend tangy citrus with a buttery graham cracker crust for a refreshing dessert. Rich Florida flavors shine through in each zesty, cool slice that leaves you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 sheets graham crackers
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 6 tbsps (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pinch salt
- 6 oz (170 grams) original cream cheese, room temperature
- 14 oz (397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) key lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, then blend with sugar, salt, and melted butter until a cohesive mixture forms.
- Crust Formation: Press the crumb mixture firmly into a foil-lined 9×9-inch pan, creating a uniform base. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until golden, then cool momentarily.
- Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating condensed milk to develop a luxurious foundation.
- Flavor Infusion: Blend egg yolks into the cream cheese mixture, followed by vibrant lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, and vanilla extract until thoroughly integrated.
- Baking Process: Pour the lime-laden filling over the pre-baked crust, distributing evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for a slight center wobble without browning.
- Chilling and Setting: Allow bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2-4 hours to solidify and intensify flavors.
- Serving Technique: Slice into precise squares using a sharp knife, serving directly from the chilled container and storing any remaining portions in an airtight refrigerator container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Crumb Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won’t crumble when cutting bars.
- Temperature Control: Avoid overbaking filling by monitoring closely; the center should have a slight wobble to prevent drying out and cracking.
- Lime Juice Freshness: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for vibrant, authentic flavor that distinguishes these bars from store-bought versions.
- Chilling Importance: Allow full chilling time for optimal texture and flavor development, which helps bars set perfectly and enhances taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg