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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars with Whipped Cream Topping

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These creamy key lime pie bars feature a tangy, silky lime filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with light whipped cream. Perfect for a quick, refreshing homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers, finely crushed)
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 8–10 key limes)
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. Make the key lime filling: In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy (about 1 minute). Slowly add sweetened condensed milk, mixing until smooth. Stir in fresh key lime juice and lime zest until fully combined.
  4. Pour the filling over the warm crust carefully. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. The filling should be just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to fully set.
  6. Prepare the whipped cream topping: Using a chilled bowl and beaters, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  7. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled bars.
  8. Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs to prevent curdling. Chill bars for at least 3 hours or overnight for best texture. Press crust firmly and bake until golden to avoid a soft crust. Whip cream last to keep it fresh and fluffy. Fresh key limes and zest provide the best flavor. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime pie bars, creamy dessert, whipped cream topping, easy dessert, summer dessert, lime bars, homemade dessert

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/creamy-key-lime-pie-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-whipped-cream-topping/