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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

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These creamy key lime pie bars feature a tangy lime filling with a buttery graham cracker crust and a zesty whipped topping, perfect for gatherings or a refreshing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • ½ teaspoon lime zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden and fragrant.
  4. While the crust bakes, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth (2-3 minutes). Gradually add sweetened condensed milk and beat until combined.
  5. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in freshly squeezed key lime juice and lime zest until smooth.
  6. Remove crust from oven and immediately pour filling over warm crust. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly when shaken.
  8. Let bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  9. To make whipped topping, whip chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add lime juice and whip until stiff peaks form.
  10. Spread or pipe whipped topping over chilled bars and garnish with lime zest.
  11. Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried between cuts.

Notes

Use fresh key lime juice for authentic flavor. Soften cream cheese properly to avoid lumps. Do not overmix egg yolks to prevent cracking. Chill whipped cream bowl and beaters for best results. Warm knife under hot water and dry between cuts for clean slices. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime pie bars, creamy key lime bars, lime dessert, easy dessert, whipped topping, summer dessert, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://islatable.com/creamy-key-lime-pie-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-zesty-whipped-topping/