Key Lime Bars Graham Crust (Printable)

Tangy lime filling combined with a buttery graham cracker crust creates a cool, creamy dessert treat.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Graham Cracker Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Key Lime Filling

04 - 4 large egg yolks
05 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
06 - 1/2 cup key lime juice
07 - 1 tablespoon key lime zest
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

09 - Whipped cream
10 - Extra lime zest or thin lime slices

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
04 - While the crust cools, whisk egg yolks in a large bowl until thickened, about 1 minute. Whisk in sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth.
05 - Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
06 - Bake for 15–17 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
07 - Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably 3–4 hours) until fully chilled.
08 - Lift bars from the pan using parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares. Garnish with whipped cream and extra lime zest or slices, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The filling comes together in one bowl with just a whisk, no mixer needed
  • That magical combination of tangy and sweet that makes your eyes light up
  • They travel beautifully and actually taste better after chilling overnight
02 -
  • The center should still jiggle a bit when they come out of the oven, they firm up as they chill
  • Room temperature eggs blend better into the condensed milk without leaving white streaks
  • Use a hot knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to get those picture perfect squares
03 -
  • If you cannot find key limes, regular Persian limes work but reduce the juice to one third cup
  • The parchment overhang is your best friend for lifting the whole batch out at once

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