Description
Zesty key lime bars showcase Florida’s citrusy signature dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and tangy custard filling. Creamy, tart slices deliver refreshing summer sweetness you’ll savor to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) key lime juice
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- powdered sugar
- whipped cream
- lime slices (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Foundation: Merge graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a uniform, slightly damp mixture, pressing evenly across the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan to create a solid base.
- Initial Baking: Position the pan in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, baking the crust for 8-10 minutes until achieving a gentle golden tone, then remove and allow brief cooling.
- Lime Filling Preparation: Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime zest, and fresh lime juice until smooth and well-integrated, ensuring a vibrant and creamy consistency.
- Filling Application: Carefully pour the lime mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading uniformly to cover the entire graham cracker base with an even layer of tangy filling.
- Final Baking Stage: Return the pan to the oven, baking for an additional 15-18 minutes until the filling sets with a slight jiggle at the center, indicating perfect custard-like texture.
- Cooling and Setting: Transfer the baked bars to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to firm and enhance flavor development.
- Serving Presentation: Utilize the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan, slice into precise squares, and optionally dust with powdered sugar or garnish with lime zest before serving.
Notes
- Optimize Crust Texture: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact, stable base that won’t crumble when cutting bars.
- Control Baking Temperature: Watch crust closely during initial 8-10 minute bake to achieve perfect golden color without burning, which can create bitter undertones.
- Enhance Lime Flavor: Use fresh key lime juice instead of bottled for brighter, more authentic citrus taste that elevates the entire dessert.
- Dietary Adaptation: Substitute gluten-free graham crackers and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg