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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

creamy key lime pie bars - featured image

These creamy Key Lime Pie Bars offer a luscious, tangy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and a zesty lime twist. Perfect for a quick, refreshing treat that’s easy to make and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) fresh Key lime juice
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: whipped cream or extra lime zest for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
  3. Press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat well to combine until glossy and thick.
  6. Stir in fresh lime juice and lime zest. If the filling is too thick, add a small splash of milk to loosen slightly.
  7. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
  9. Cool the bars to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  10. Slice using a sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts for clean edges. Garnish with whipped cream or extra lime zest if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth filling. Chill bars overnight for best texture. Warm knife under hot water and dry between cuts for clean slices. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks. Fresh lime juice and zest provide best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Key Lime Pie Bars, creamy dessert, lime bars, easy dessert, summer dessert, zesty lime, graham cracker crust