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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

creamy key lime pie bars - featured image

These creamy Key lime pie bars offer a bright, zesty dessert with a buttery crust and smooth, tangy filling. Perfect for summer gatherings, they are easy to make and delightfully refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup fresh Key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream or toasted meringue (optional, for topping)
  • Extra lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and whisk until combined. Stir in fresh Key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until creamy and glossy.
  3. Pour filling over cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until edges are set but center has a slight jiggle.
  4. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.
  5. Slice into bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Top with whipped cream or toasted meringue and garnish with lime zest or slices if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature egg yolks to avoid lumps. Do not overbake the filling; it should jiggle slightly when removed from the oven. Press crust firmly before baking to prevent crumbling. Slice chilled bars with a warm, sharp knife for clean edges. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute butter with coconut oil and use gluten-free crust ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

Keywords: Key lime pie bars, creamy dessert, summer dessert, easy pie bars, lime dessert, no fuss dessert