Key Lime Bars Graham Crust (Printable View)
Tangy lime filling sits on a buttery graham cracker crust for a refreshing dessert treat.
# Ingredient List:
→ Graham Cracker Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Key Lime Filling
05 - 4 large egg yolks
06 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
07 - 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice or regular lime juice
08 - 2 teaspoons key lime zest or regular lime zest
→ Optional Garnish
09 - Whipped cream
10 - Extra lime zest or thin lime slices
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt until evenly combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add lime juice and lime zest; whisk until well combined and slightly thickened.
05 - Pour lime filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly.
06 - Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
07 - Cool bars to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) until fully chilled.
08 - Lift bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares. Garnish with whipped cream and lime zest or slices if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sweet tart balance hits that perfect spot where everyone wants seconds but nobody feels overwhelmed by richness
- You get all the creamy key lime pie satisfaction without fussy pie crust techniques or worrying about cracks
02 -
- The jiggle in the center when they come out of the oven is exactly right, they continue cooking as they cool and set up perfectly in the refrigerator
- Using room temperature ingredients helps prevent the condensed milk from seizing or becoming grainy when you whisk everything together
03 -
- Key limes are smaller and more tart than regular limes, but regular limes work perfectly and most people actually prefer the milder flavor
- The secret to the silkiest texture is whisking the filling gently but thoroughly once the lime juice is added, about one minute of whisking makes all the difference