Key Lime Bars
Creamy, tangy Key Lime Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust are the perfect make-ahead dessert. They are easy to prepare and packed with fresh citrus flavor; they are perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, and potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups Graham Cracker Crumbs 9 Graham Crackers
- 6 tablespoon Butter Unsalted, melted
- ⅓ cup Sugar
For the Filling
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- 2 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk 14 ounce cans
- 2 tablespoon Lime Zest
- ¾ cup Lime Juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-lock bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. 1½ cups Graham Cracker Crumbs 6 tablespoon Butter ⅓ cup Sugar
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Make the Lime Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until the filling is creamy and well combined with no lumps remaining. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust. 4 oz Cream Cheese 2 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk 2 tablespoon Lime Zest ¾ cup Lime Juice
- Chill the Bars: Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or until the filling is fully set.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Garnish with additional lime zest and whipped cream if desired.
Video
Notes
- No food processor - No problem! You can place the graham crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs.
- Avoid the bitter rind. When zesting your limes, only remove the bright green outer layer. The white underneath can add a bitter flavor to your bars.
- Use fresh lime juice whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Chill before serving. Refrigerating the bars for several hours helps the filling firm up and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
Nutrition
Calories: 548kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 10gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 342mgPotassium: 445mgFiber: 1gSugar: 67gVitamin A: 729IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 314mgIron: 1mg
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