Description
These Key Lime Pie Bars offer a creamy, tangy, and sweet dessert with a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfectly balanced with fresh lime juice and zesty lime peel, they’re an easy-to-make treat that requires just a few simple ingredients and a brief baking time. Ideal for summer gatherings or any occasion craving a refreshing citrus dessert bar.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, crushed)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 Tablespoons butter, melted
Filling
- 2 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup key lime juice
- Zest of 2 regular limes or 4 key limes
Topping (Optional)
- Fresh whipped cream
Instructions
- Make Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling to ensure the filling doesn’t melt or blend into the crust.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using electric beaters, beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add both cans of sweetened condensed milk, the key lime juice, and lime zest. Beat again until the mixture is uniform and silky smooth.
- Bake Bars: Pour the prepared filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading evenly. Bake again at 350°F for an additional 10 minutes to set the filling.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours to fully set and develop flavor.
- Serve: Cut the chilled bars into 12 squares. Optionally, top each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream before serving for added richness and presentation.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh key lime juice; bottled lime juice can make the filling less vibrant.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- If you don’t have an 8-inch square pan, a similar sized pan can be used, but baking time may slightly vary.
- These bars keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Optional toppings include lime zest, extra whipped cream, or thin lime slices for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
