Key Lime Bars Recipe for Sweet-Tart Happiness

Crisp summer afternoons find immense joy in these delectable key lime bars bursting with tropical tanginess.

Sweet crumbles of graham cracker crust provide the perfect foundation for zesty citrus magic.

Creamy lime-infused filling promises a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts.

Tangy notes dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Cool and bright flavor combinations make these bars an instant crowd-pleaser.

Nobody can resist the smooth, silky texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this dreamy treat in minutes.

Indulge in these irresistible bars and let your taste buds celebrate a citrusy paradise.

Making Key Lime Bars Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Graham Cracker Base

• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter

Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand. Transfer to a 9×9-inch baking pan and press down firmly, creating an even layer that covers the entire bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake until the edges turn a delicate golden brown. The crust will look slightly dry and set. Remove and let it cool down to room temperature.

Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh key lime juice
• Lime zest
• Egg yolks

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and vibrant, with a creamy consistency that promises tangy goodness.

Step 4: Pour and Bake Filling

Carefully pour the lime mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling sets but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill for several hours. The cooling helps the bars set and intensifies the flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove from the refrigerator. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert out of the pan. Slice into neat squares. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with tiny lime wedges for an extra touch of elegance.

Tricks for a Successful Key Lime Bar Bake

• Prep Perfectly: Use fresh key lime juice for the most vibrant, authentic flavor, avoiding bottled juices that can taste flat.
• Crush Carefully: Pulse graham crackers in a food processor for uniform crumbs, ensuring an even, crisp crust that holds together beautifully.
• Prevent Cracking: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help set the filling smoothly and prevent surface cracks.
• Slice with Ease: Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts to create clean, precise edges when serving the bars.
• Customize Creatively: Substitute gluten-free graham crackers for a celiac-friendly version, or add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for extra texture and tropical flair.

Best Ways to Store and Serve Key Lime Bars

• Store key lime bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place sheets of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Alternatively, transfer to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing.
• These bars taste best when served cold, so keep them refrigerated until ready to enjoy. The cool temperature enhances the tangy lime flavor and creamy texture.

Sweet Pairings for Key Lime Bars

• Serve these key lime bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a cool, smooth contrast to the tangy filling.
• Complement the bars with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that echoes the citrusy brightness.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts on top to add a delightful crunch and enhance the tropical essence.
• Brew a cup of mint tea to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, zesty lime bars.

Creative Options for Key Lime Bars

• Gluten-Free Key Lime Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based condensed milk alternative made from coconut cream to create a dairy-free option.
• Tropical Coconut Lime Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crust and incorporate coconut extract into the filling for an enhanced tropical flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Lime Bars: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce the overall sugar content while maintaining the classic tangy taste.

Your Top Key Lime Bars Questions Answered

• What type of lime should I use for this recipe?

Use fresh key limes or bottled key lime juice for the most authentic flavor. Regular Persian limes can work as a substitute if key limes are unavailable.

• How do I prevent the crust from crumbling when cutting?

Allow the bars to cool completely and use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert out of the pan before cutting. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat slices.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or use a mixture of almond flour and gluten-free cookie crumbs to create the crust.

• How can I tell if the crust is perfectly baked?

Look for a light golden color and a slightly firm texture. The crust should be set but not dark brown, which would indicate over-baking.

Why Key Lime Bars Hit the Right Note

• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, and casual celebrations, these bars offer a refreshing twist on traditional desserts with their tangy lime flavor.
• Simple graham cracker crust and quick mixing technique mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious results.

Ingredients for Those Zesty Key Lime Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base that provides a sweet, crunchy foundation for the bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps create a cohesive and crisp crust texture.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy base that creates a smooth, rich filling with natural sweetness.
• Key Lime Juice: Provides the signature tangy, bright citrus flavor essential to the dessert.
• Egg Yolks: Help thicken and set the filling, creating a silky custard-like consistency.
• Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and adds aromatic oils to the filling.

• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds a decorative touch and subtle sweetness.
• Fresh Lime Slices: Optional garnish that signals the key lime flavor and adds visual appeal.

Key Lime Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Zesty key lime bars bring sunshine from Florida’s groves to your dessert plate with tangy sweetness and buttery graham cracker crust. Creamy filling and delicate balance of flavors invite sweet memories of tropical afternoons spent savoring delightful citrus treats.

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Ingredients

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Key Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) key lime juice

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream
• Lime slices (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an optimal baking environment.
2. Create a convenient lifting mechanism for the bars by lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra material to hang over the edges.
3. Craft the crust by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive, slightly moistened mixture.
4. Transform the crumb mixture into a uniform base by pressing it evenly and firmly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact foundation.
5. Initiate the crust’s initial cooking phase by placing the pan in the preheated oven and baking for approximately 8-10 minutes, watching for a delicate golden hue to develop.
6. Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool momentarily, establishing a stable platform for the subsequent layers of the key lime bars.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• For a richer crust, add finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds to enhance the texture and bring deeper nutty undertones.
• Ensure butter is completely melted and evenly mixed to create a uniform, compact crust that holds together without crumbling when sliced.
• Use room temperature eggs and fresh key lime juice for the most vibrant, tangy flavor that makes these bars truly zesty and bright.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg