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Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars with a thick graham cracker crust and a smooth, just-set pale green curd filling. Baked until the center barely jiggles, then chilled for clean squares with a powdered sugar and lime zest finish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
hours (chilling) 3 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the graham cracker crust
  • 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
For the key lime filling
  • 4 egg yolks large
  • 2 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 0.75 cup fresh key lime juice or regular lime juice
  • 2 tbsp lime zest
  • 1 green food coloring optional
For topping
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp lime zest

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make and prebake the crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, then line a 9x13 pan with parchment and press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom.
  2. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then cool slightly before adding the filling.
Mix the key lime filling
  1. Whisk the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
  2. Whisk in the key lime juice, lime zest, and a drop of green food coloring until evenly combined and smooth.
Bake, cool, and chill
  1. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
  2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the filling is just set with a slight jiggle in the center.
  3. Cool completely at room temperature.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until firm.
Finish and serve
  1. Dust the bars with powdered sugar.
  2. Scatter lime zest over the top, then cut into 16 bars and serve.

Notes

For the cleanest squares, chill until the filling feels firm and slice with a sharp knife wiped between cuts. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days; freezing is not recommended because the curd can weep after thawing. If you want a different flavor direction, swap regular lime juice for the key lime juice for a brighter, tangier classic citrus bar profile.