Pin This These vibrant lime bars blend fresh key lime juice and zest with a rich, buttery graham cracker crust for a refreshing dessert. The creamy, tangy filling bakes to a perfect set and is topped with whipped cream and lime zest to add lightness and garnish. Chilling enhances the texture, making each square a bright, festive treat. Optional green coloring and lime garnishes give a celebratory look ideal for marking special occasions.
Last year I brought these to a St. Patrick's Day party and watched them disappear in record time. Something about that bright green filling gets people excited before they even take a bite.
My friend Sarah actually thought I dyed the filling with something exotic until I admitted it was just two drops of food coloring. Sometimes the simplest tricks create the biggest reactions.
Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the buttery foundation that holds everything together
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is the secret to that impossibly creamy texture
- Key lime juice: Fresh juice makes all the difference here, but regular limes work perfectly fine
- Egg yolks: Room temperature yolks incorporate more smoothly into the filling
- Green food coloring: Just 2 or 3 drops transforms this into a St. Patrick's showstopper
Instructions
- Press the crust:
- Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into your pan
- Whisk the filling:
- Take your time whisking the yolks first until they're slightly thickened and pale yellow
- Add the magic:
- Pour in the condensed milk and lime juice, whisking until everything is silky smooth
- Bake gently:
- The center should still have a slight wobble like jelly when you remove it from the oven
- Patience pays off:
- Let these chill completely before slicing or they will not hold their shape
Pin This My neighbor asked for the recipe before she even finished her first bar. Now she makes them for every greenthemed occasion, not just St. Patrick's Day.
Making Ahead
These bars actually taste better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes even more custardlike and luxurious.
Getting The Perfect Slice
Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This simple trick creates those clean, bakeryworthy edges that make presentation effortless.
Serving Suggestions
A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top balances the tanginess perfectly. But sometimes I skip the cream and just add extra lime zest for a lighter finish.
- Coffee or a dark roast pairs surprisingly well with the bright lime flavor
- These work wonderfully as an afterdinner dessert that is not too heavy
- Store them in the refrigerator but bring to room temperature 15 minutes before serving
Pin This Hope these bring a little luck and a lot of joy to your St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Questions & Answers
- → What gives the bars their green color?
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Green food coloring is added optionally to the filling to create a festive hue, complementing the natural lime zest and juice.
- → Can I use regular lime instead of Key lime?
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Yes, regular lime juice works well and offers a similar tangy flavor when Key lime is not available.
- → How should the bars be stored after preparation?
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Refrigerate the bars covered; chilling helps them set firmly and maintain freshness for a couple of days.
- → Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?
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Absolutely, substitute regular graham crackers with a gluten-free version to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing texture.
- → What texture should the filling have after baking?
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The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center, ensuring a creamy and smooth consistency once chilled.
