Key Lime Bars

Why Make This Recipe

Key lime bars are a perfect treat for anyone who enjoys a sweet and tangy dessert. These bars offer a refreshing taste that reminds you of sunny days, making them great for summer gatherings or just a simple dessert at home. This recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy key lime filling, giving you the ideal balance of flavors. They are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends!

How to Make Key Lime Bars

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh key lime juice
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• Optional: whipped cream for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest until smooth.
4. Pour the key lime mixture over the crust.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until set.
6. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Serve chilled with whipped cream.

How to Serve Key Lime Bars

Key lime bars can be served straight from the fridge. They taste great on their own, but you can add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess. For presentation, you might sprinkle some lime zest or garnish with a lime slice.

How to Store Key Lime Bars

To keep your key lime bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about a week. If you want to make them ahead of time, they can be made a couple of days in advance.

Tips to Make Key Lime Bars

• Use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor. You can also use bottled key lime juice if fresh isn’t available.
• Make sure to cool the bars completely before refrigerating. This helps them set better.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more or less sugar, depending on your preference.

Variation

For a twist on the classic, try adding shredded coconut to the crust, or mix in some crushed berries into the key lime filling for a fruity flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
   Yes, you can use regular limes, but the taste will be slightly different. Key limes are smaller and have a unique flavor.

2. Can I freeze key lime bars?
   Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
   The bars should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool and chill in the fridge.

Key Lime Bars

Print Recipe

Deliciously sweet and tangy key lime bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for summer gatherings.

• Total Time: 135 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh key lime juice
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• Optional: whipped cream for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest in another bowl until smooth.
4. Pour the key lime mixture over the crust.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until set.
6. Cool and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Serve chilled with whipped cream.

Notes

For extra creaminess, serve with whipped cream. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: key lime bars, dessert, summer dessert, baking, easy dessert