Key Lime Cookie Bars
Key Lime Cookie Bars bring together the best of both worlds: the refreshing taste of key lime and the satisfying crunch of a graham cracker crust, all while being incredibly easy to whip up. This dessert is like a hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion from a casual gathering to a festive celebration.
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Servings: 16
Calories: 250kcal
Equipment
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Food processor or blender
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
- Here’s what you need to make these tasty delights:
Crust
- - 12 full-sheet graham crackers crushed (yielding about 1 ½ cups of crumbs)
- - 6 tablespoons 85 grams unsalted butter, melted
- - 1/4 cup 50 grams granulated sugar
Filling
- - 4 ounces 113 grams full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- - 4 large egg yolks
- - 14-ounce 397 grams can of sweetened condensed milk
- - 1/2 cup 120 milliliters freshly squeezed key lime juice
- - 2 teaspoons lime zest about 1 key lime or 2 regular limes
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract new addition for flavor
- - Optional for garnish: Whipped cream and lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs. If you don’t have one, go the old-school route: place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and combine until it resembles a sandy mixture.
Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan
- Transfer the crumb mixture into the lined baking pan. Using the back of a measuring cup or your fingers, press it into an even layer at the bottom of the pan. You want it compact for that perfect crust!
Step 4: Prebake the Crust
- Pop the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This step helps give your crust a nice, firm base. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes while you mix up the filling.
Step 5: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth. This usually takes no more than a minute. Then add in the egg yolks individually, ensuring each one is well incorporated. Next, mix in the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure to scrape down any bits from the sides of the bowl to eliminate lumps of cream cheese.
Step 6: Pour the Filling Over the Crust
- Once your filling is nicely blended, pour it onto the warm crust, smoothing it out evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Filling
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
Step 8: Cool and Chill
- Take the bars out of the oven and let them cool down for about 30 minutes on a wire rack. Then, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours until they're completely set.
Step 9: Serve
- To serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, additional lime slices, or a sprinkle of lime zest for that extra flair.
Notes
- Use Fresh Key Limes: If you can, use fresh key limes for the juice and zest. They offer a much more vibrant taste compared to bottled versions.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Just mix until everything is well combined to prevent incorporating too much air, which can affect the texture.
- Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to let the bars chill before serving. It helps them set properly for that firm yet creamy texture.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance. The flavors tend to meld together beautifully overnight!
- Experiment with Toppings: While whipped cream and lime slices are classic, consider adding crushed graham crackers or even toasted coconut on top for a fun variation.