Introduction:

The essence of summer, combined with the tangy taste of lime, presents itself in the form of the Key Lime Pie Bars. These bars encapsulate the spirit of a timeless dessert, delivering the very essence of tropical flavors right to your plate. A three-layered treat, these bars boast a crunchy crust, a silky key lime filling, and a crowning glory of whipped cream. And the best part? You don’t need to be a baking maestro to master this recipe. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a breezy evening, these bars promise a burst of flavor with every bite. And remember, good things are meant to be shared. So, once you’ve indulged, share the joy with friends and family.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

Cooking spray

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

12 full-size graham crackers (or 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Filling:

1 to 2 medium limes

2/3 cup key lime juice (from 25 to 30 key limes or approx. 10 Persian limes)

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

5 large egg yolks

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Topping:

1 cup cold heavy cream

1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Zest from limes

Directions:

Setting the Stage: Begin by preheating your oven to 180C or 350F. As it warms up, prepare an 8-inch square pan, lining it neatly with parchment paper.

Creating the Perfect Crust: In a food processor, combine the graham crackers, sugar, and salt. Pulse until you achieve a sandy consistency. Introduce the melted butter and blend until well mixed. Transfer this mixture to your prepared pan, pressing it down to form an even layer. Pop it into the oven for a bake of 12-15 minutes, awaiting a fragrant, golden crust.

Filling – Where the Magic Happens: In a mixing bowl, bring together the key lime juice, condensed milk, egg yolks, lime zest, and salt. Whisk this blend until it’s smooth, pale yellow, and absolutely tempting. Once the crust is out of the oven and slightly cooled, pour this mixture over it, spreading evenly.

Bake the Beauty: Return the pan to the oven, this time letting it bake for around 15 minutes. You’re looking for a filling that’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Whipped Cream Topping: In a mixer, beat the cold heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and whip until you see stiff peaks. Generously spread this over your cooled lime bars, garnishing with some leftover lime zest.

Serve with Love: Once everything’s set and chilled, lift the bars using the parchment sling, place them on a cutting board, and slice them into 16 even squares. Serve them chilled for the best experience.

Conclusion:

The Key Lime Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavors. Whether you’re reminiscing about a beach holiday or simply want a refreshing treat, these bars are your answer. Their zesty, tangy taste paired with the sweetness of the crust and the softness of whipped cream makes for a delightful combination. So, dive into this recipe and remember to share the love and the lime bars with those around you. After all, every bite tastes better when shared!