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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 tangy, smooth filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing dessert moments.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (about 45 key limes)
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly moistened and clump together when pressed.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until light golden brown and fragrant. Remove and let cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fully combined and slightly thickened with a glossy smooth texture.
  7. Pour the filling evenly over the baked crust and smooth the top gently.
  8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  9. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to fully set the filling.
  11. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry to cut into squares before serving.

Notes

Avoid zesting the white pith beneath the lime skin to prevent bitterness. Use fresh key lime juice for best brightness. Press crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Warm knife under hot water and dry between cuts for clean slices. Chill bars at least 3 hours or overnight for best texture.

Nutrition

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