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4.5 from 93 votes

Key Lime Bars

This delightful recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
2 hrs 15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 212 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Crust:
  • 5 ounces animal crackers about 2 1/2 cups animal crackers
  • 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
Filling:
  • 2 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh lime zest from about 2 limes
  • 1 (14-ounce) (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice from about 3-4 regular limes or 20 Key limes
Garnish:
  • ¾ cup shredded coconut toasted (optional)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, adjusting an oven rack to the middle position. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, letting two opposing edges hang over at least an inch or so. Grease the foil with cooking spray.
  2. For the crust, process the animal crackers, sugar and salt together to fine crumbs in a blender or food processor. Drizzle the melted butter over the crumbs and pulse to incorporate (or stir together in a bowl with a fork). Sprinkle the mixture into the prepared pan and press the crumbs into an even layer. Bake the crust until fragrant and golden, about 15-18 minutes.
  3. For the filling, while crust bakes, in a medium bowl, stir the cream cheese, lime zest and salt together until combined. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth (you can use a handheld electric mixer, if you want). Whisk in the egg yolk and lime juice until combined.
  4. Pour the filling evenly over the crust. Bake the bars until the filling is set and the edges just slightly begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, 15-17 minutes.
  5. Let the bars cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack, about 2 hours. Then cover the pan with foil and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. Remove the bars from the pan using the foil overhang and cut into squares. Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Bar Calories 212kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 29g (10%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 31mg (10%) Sodium 173mg (7%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 21g (42%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16bars

Amount Per Serving

Calories 212

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Bar
Calories 212kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 29g 10%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 173mg 7%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 21g 42%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.