Description

These Key Lime Bars offer a refreshing burst of citrus flavor and a creamy texture, all wrapped up in a crumbly graham cracker crust. With simple ingredients, they’re a delightful treat for any occasion, making them an ideal choice for dessert lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

cooking spray
3 cups (300 g) graham cracker crumbs
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (170 g) butter melted
2 (14 oz / 396 g each, 792 g total) cans sweetened condensed milk
1 cup (240 ml / 240 g) bottled key lime juice
6 large (108 g) egg yolks room temperature
4 key limes, zested (2 tbsps zest / 12 g)
1½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
¼ cup (30 g) confectioners' sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 key limes, zested (1 tbsp zest / 6 g)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while preparing the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest until smooth.
Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread it into an even layer.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is firm when shaken gently.
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour before adding whipped cream.
In a mixer bowl, beat the heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream over the chilled filling and garnish with additional lime zest.
Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into 9 squares, cleaning the knife between cuts.
Store refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

Using fresh key lime juice enhances the flavor of the bars.
For a thicker crust, increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs by 1/2 cup.
Ensure the cream is whipped until stiff peaks form for best results.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg