Key Lime Pie Bars
User Reviews
4.9
Key Lime Pie Bars
Description
The crust is made by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, pressed into a square baking pan and baked briefly to set a crisp base. The filling is prepared by beating softened cream cheese smooth, then blending in sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest for a bright citrus flavor.
After pouring the filling over the cooled crust, the bars are baked until just set, then cooled and chilled for several hours to firm. The result is a refreshing bar with tart and creamy filling atop a buttery crumbly crust.
These bars can be topped with fresh whipped cream for additional richness. They make a cool dessert choice, especially for warm weather. The recipe notes options for using bottled key lime juice or fresh squeezed, and instructions for making ahead or freezing the bars for later use.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, crushed)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 Tablespoons butter , melted
Key lime filling:
- 2 ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 3/4 cup lime juice key lime
- lime or 4 key limes, zest of 2, regular
- Whipped Cream for topping, optional, fresh
Instructions
- Make Crust: For the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter and press into an 8'' square baking pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Allow to cool before adding filling.
- Filling: Add cream cheese to a mixing bowl then beat well with electric beaters until smooth. Add both cans of sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest then mix again until smooth.
- Bake: Pour over prepared graham cracker crust and bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Allow to cool for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, before serving.
- Serve: Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Key lime juice can be fresh from about 20 small key limes or bottled, such as Nellie and Joe's, commonly found in stores.
- Bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored refrigerated to maintain freshness.
- The graham cracker crust can be made several days ahead and stored at room temperature or refrigerated.
- For freezing, cover the bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 153 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 153kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 144mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 51mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 310IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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