Key Lime Pie Bars with Sweet Cream Topping

Ingredients

• 2 cup crushed graham crackers
• 6 tbsp butter (melted)
• 0.25 cup sugar (for the crust)
• 3 egg yolks
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened; for the filling)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (The source does not specify the can size; nutrition and weight are estimated using a standard 14-oz can.)
• 0.5 cup key lime juice
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp key lime zest (for the filling)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened; for the topping)
• 0.25 cup sugar (for the topping)
• 0.5 tsp vanilla (for the topping)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (for the topping)
• key lime (zest over the finished topping; amount as needed for a coating)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra parchment extending over the sides to make the bars easier to remove.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until evenly combined.

3. 3

   Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish until the crust is flattened.

4. 4

   Bake the crust for 10 minutes, until it is just beginning to brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.

5. 5

   While the crust cools, place the egg yolks, key lime juice, and 1 tablespoon key lime zest in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

6. 6

   Add the softened cream cheese and mix until smooth.

7. 7

   Add the sweetened condensed milk and salt. Mix until the filling is fully combined and smooth.

8. 8

   Pour the filling over the cooled graham cracker crust and return the dish to the oven.

9. 9

   Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the filling starts to set.

10. 10

    Remove the bars from the oven and cool them at room temperature for 20 minutes.

11. 11

    Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for an additional 2–3 hours, until the filling is set and no longer jiggly.

12. 12

    For the topping, place the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Mix until smooth.

13. 13

    Add the heavy cream and mix until the topping becomes whipped and stiffer in texture.

14. 14

    Using a spatula, spread the topping evenly over the fully cooled bars.

15. 15

    Zest a key lime over the topping until the bars have a light coating of fresh zest.

16. 16

    Store the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

The source does not specify the size of the sweetened condensed milk can; a standard 14-ounce can was used for the estimated weight and nutrition. Keep the bars refrigerated until serving.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• dessert bars
• American
• baked
• chilled
• key lime
• spring dessert
• vegetarian