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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

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These creamy key lime pie bars feature a tangy, silky filling atop a crisp graham cracker crust, perfect for a quick and refreshing homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 package (8 oz / 225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 4–5 key limes or bottled)
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream or lime slices for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Crush 1 ½ cups of graham crackers finely using a food processor or rolling pin.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
  4. Press the crust firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  5. In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add 1 cup sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese and mix until fully combined and silky.
  7. Stir in ½ cup fresh key lime juice, 1 tablespoon key lime zest, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until just incorporated.
  8. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
  9. Bake the assembled bars for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  11. Slice into 16 bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water, wiping dry between cuts. Serve chilled, topped with whipped cream or lime slices if desired.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Do not overbake the filling; it should have a slight wobble when done. Chill bars thoroughly for best texture and flavor. Use a warm knife wiped clean between cuts for neat slices. Fresh key lime juice and zest provide the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.

Nutrition

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

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