St Patricks Key Lime Bars (Printable Version)
Zesty key lime bars with a buttery graham crust and creamy filling, ideal for festive celebrations.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - ⅓ cup granulated sugar
03 - 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
04 - Pinch of salt
→ Filling
05 - 4 large egg yolks
06 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
07 - ½ cup fresh Key lime juice or regular lime juice
08 - 2 tsp finely grated lime zest
09 - 2–3 drops green food coloring (optional)
→ Topping
10 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
11 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
12 - Lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks until slightly thickened. Add sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and food coloring if using. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
05 - Pour filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
06 - Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
07 - Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
08 - Lift bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares. Top each bar with whipped cream and garnish with lime slices or zest if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between tangy lime and sweet condensed milk is absolutely addictive
- That festive green color makes everyone smile before they even taste it
02 -
- Overbaking causes the filling to crack, so pull them out when just barely set
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the dreaded lumpy filling situation
03 -
- Use the parchment paper overhang like handles to lift the entire slab out at once
- A splash of Irish cream liqueur in the filling makes these an adultonly treat