Print

Key Lime Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

These tangy and creamy Key Lime Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a luscious key lime filling made from sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and cream cheese. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars are chilled to set and make a refreshing dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup key lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest

Optional Garnish

  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Combine crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and resembles wet sand.
  2. Bake crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove and let cool slightly.
  3. Whisk filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, vanilla extract, softened cream cheese, egg yolks, kosher salt, and lime zest until smooth and fully combined.
  4. Bake bars: Pour the prepared filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Return to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is mostly set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
  5. Chill: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set before slicing into squares.
  6. Decorate and serve: Optionally top each bar with whipped cream before serving for an added touch of richness and presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Do not overbake the bars; the center should remain slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy texture.
  • Use fresh key lime juice for the best authentic tangy flavor.
  • Chill thoroughly before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Key Lime Bars, Key Lime Dessert, Graham Cracker Crust, Creamy Key Lime, No-Bake Crust, Sweet Tart Bars

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/key-lime-bars-recipe/