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key lime pie bars dessert recipe

Key Lime Pie Bars

Chef Roberto, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while holding a plate of freshly made pasta garnished with basil.Roberto
Our Key Lime Pie Bars are a refreshing and tangy treat, perfect for spring gatherings and easy to share. These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy key lime filling, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful finish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper
  • 1 Mixing Bowl large
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Filling

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup key lime juice
  • 1 tbsp lime zest

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Making the Filling

  • In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until well combined and smooth.
  • Pour the lime filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Cooling and Serving

  • Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to fully set.
  • Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage

  • Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor, and ensure the bars are well chilled before slicing for clean edges. Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute regular limes if key limes are unavailable. How to Serve: Serve chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container and consume within 5 days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the crust and filling a day in advance for a stress-free party dessert.
Keyword easy key lime bars, key lime pie bars, lime dessert bars