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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

creamy key lime pie bars - featured image

These creamy key lime pie bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy filling made with sweetened condensed milk and fresh key lime juice. Perfect for a refreshing summer dessert that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh key lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Whipped cream or fresh lime slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture feels like wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined pan using the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even, compact layer.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until warm and toasty. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Add sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust and gently spread it out with a spatula.
  7. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the center is just set but still jiggles slightly when shaken.
  8. Cool the bars completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let the filling firm up.
  9. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into bars and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with whipped cream or lime slices if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs to avoid curdling. Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Avoid overbaking the filling to prevent cracks; it should jiggle slightly when done. Chill bars before slicing for clean cuts. Warm knife under hot water and dry before slicing to get neat pieces.

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime pie bars, creamy key lime bars, graham cracker crust, summer dessert, easy dessert, homemade key lime bars