Tangy Key Lime Bars Recipe: Bright Citrus Magic in Every Bite

Tangy and sweet, these key lime bars burst with zesty tropical flavor that dances across your taste buds.

Creamy key lime filling nestles perfectly atop a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a dessert that sings of sunshine and relaxation.

Bright citrus notes cut through the richness, offering a refreshing twist on classic dessert bars.

Each bite delivers a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness that feels like a mini vacation.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a go-to for any occasion.

You’ll love how these bars transform a few basic pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing treat.

Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with just one delectable slice.

FAQs

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, rounder, and more acidic than Persian limes. They have a distinct, stronger citrus flavor that gives these bars their signature tangy taste and bright green color.

• Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice can taste less vibrant and might lack the zesty brightness that makes these bars special. Always use fresh lime juice and zest for maximum flavor.

• How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Overbaking can cause cracks and a dry texture, so watch carefully around the 25-30 minute mark.

Key Lime Bars Delicious Details You Should Know

• Breeze Through Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with simple steps that guarantee delicious results without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delivers a tangy, creamy treat that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and summer parties.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for quick variations like adding fresh berries, changing zest, or experimenting with different cream toppings to suit personal taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator, ensuring stress-free entertaining and ready-to-serve dessert that tastes even better after chilling.

Gathering Ingredients for Key Lime Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and balances the tangy lime flavor.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the lime bars.
• Condensed Milk: Provides a rich, sweet, and thick consistency to the filling.
• Egg Yolks: Helps set the filling and adds richness to the texture.
• Lime Zest, Lime Juice: Delivers a bright, tangy citrus flavor that defines the key lime bars.

• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar: Whips into a light and fluffy topping that adds a creamy contrast to the bars.
• Lime Zest: Provides a fresh garnish and additional citrus aroma to the finished dessert.

Key Lime Bars Directions in Simple Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank the oven to a cozy 325°F.

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, giving it a light grease to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes until golden and set.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Grab a medium bowl and beat the cream cheese until it becomes wonderfully soft and smooth.

Pour in the condensed milk and continue beating until the mixture is perfectly blended.

Step 4: Introduce the Egg Yolks

Gently incorporate egg yolks into the cream cheese mixture, adding them one at a time.

Mix thoroughly after each addition to create a silky-smooth filling.

Step 5: Bring on the Lime Excitement

Zest a fresh lime and squeeze out its vibrant juice.

Stir these citrusy elements into the cream cheese mixture, creating a tangy and bright flavor profile.

Step 6: Bake and Chill

Pour the lime-infused filling over the prepared crust.

Bake for approximately 30 minutes until the filling is just set.

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Step 7: Crown with Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until it forms stiff, billowy peaks.

Top each bar with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra lime zest for a burst of freshness.

Chef-Recommended Tips for Key Lime Bars

• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free filling that blends perfectly.
• Grate lime zest carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, capturing only the bright green outer layer for maximum flavor.
• Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours to set completely, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up for clean, neat slices.
• Whip cream just before serving to maintain its light, airy texture and prevent deflation.
• Clean your knife between cuts with a hot, damp cloth for picture-perfect bar presentation.

Key Lime Bars Fresh Variations to Explore

• Lemon Lover's Bars: Replace key lime juice and zest with fresh lemon juice and zest for a tangy citrus alternative.
• Vegan Creamy Bars: Swap cream cheese for cashew cream, use coconut condensed milk, and replace eggs with cornstarch and additional plant-based milk.
• Gluten-Free Graham Crust: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour mixed with butter to create a celiac-friendly base.
• Tropical Coconut Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crust and top with toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flavor.

Arranging Key Lime Bars for the Table

• Fresh Garnish Delight: Sprinkle extra lime zest over whipped cream to add bright, zesty color and enhance the citrusy aroma of the bars.
• Tropical Plating Magic: Serve on white rectangular plates with small mint leaves scattered around to create a clean, refreshing presentation that highlights the key lime's vibrant green tones.
• Paired Beverage Bliss: Complement the tangy bars with a chilled glass of sweet iced tea or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which matches the dessert's bright, citrusy profile.
• Texture Contrast Trick: Garnish with thin, crispy lime-candied peel or toasted coconut flakes to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy smooth bar texture.

Smart Key Lime Bars Storage Practices

• Store key lime bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars or entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.
• Do not leave key lime bars at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as the cream cheese and whipped cream can spoil quickly.
• Keep whipped cream topping separate and add just before serving to maintain its fresh, fluffy texture and prevent soggy bars.

Key Lime Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty key lime bars bring Florida’s sunshine to your dessert plate, dancing with tangy citrus and buttery graham cracker crust. Creamy filling and sweet-tart flavors invite you to savor a slice of tropical paradise in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup key lime juice

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Garnish and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon confectioners sugar
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1 tablespoon lime zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and baking vessel to 325F, lining an 8×8 inch pan with foil and applying a light grease coating.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the prepared pan’s base. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly beat cream cheese until soft and pliable.
4. Incorporate condensed milk into the cream cheese, blending until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
5. Gently fold in egg yolks, adding them individually and mixing thoroughly after each addition.
6. Infuse the mixture with fresh lime zest and tangy lime juice, stirring until evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the filling onto the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, ensuring the filling sets with a slight wobble in the center.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to firm up.
10. Whip cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
11. Garnish each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional lime zest before serving.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce sugar content by using less condensed milk or replacing with a lighter sweetener option.
• Ensure cream cheese is room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smoother filling texture.
• Zest limes before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and prevent waste of citrus fruits.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg