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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

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These creamy key lime pie bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, tangy filling made with fresh key lime juice, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, they are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert ideal for summer and parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 15–20 key limes)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges start to turn golden. Avoid overbaking.
  4. While crust bakes, beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes).
  5. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and silky.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in fresh key lime juice, lime zest, and optional vanilla extract. Mix until smooth but do not overbeat.
  7. Pour filling over the warm crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until edges are set but center has a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking.
  9. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.
  10. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan. Cut into 12 squares with a sharp knife, wiping blade between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Avoid overbaking the filling to keep it creamy with a slight jiggle. Chill bars overnight for best texture and flavor. Use a hot knife for clean cuts. Fresh key lime juice is essential for authentic flavor. Optional vanilla extract adds subtle depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime pie bars, creamy key lime bars, graham cracker crust, easy dessert, summer dessert, tangy dessert, homemade key lime bars

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-key-lime-pie-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-graham-cracker-crust/