Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you absolutely can! While true Key limes have a slightly more floral and tart flavor, standard Persian limes (the regular ones at the grocery store) will still make an incredibly delicious dessert. If you want that authentic flavor without juicing dozens of tiny limes, a high-quality bottled Key lime juice is a fantastic and easy shortcut.

How do you know when key lime bars are done baking?

The secret to the perfect creamy texture is not to overbake them! You will know your key lime pie bars are done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle to it when you gently shake the pan. The filling will continue to cook slightly from residual heat and will firm up completely as it chills in the refrigerator.

Do key lime pie bars need to be refrigerated?

Absolutely. Because the filling is made with dairy and egg yolks, these bars must be refrigerated. Furthermore, chilling them for at least 3 to 4 hours (or ideally overnight) is absolutely essential for the filling to set properly so you can slice them into clean, perfect squares.

How do I get clean slices on dessert bars?

For bakery-worthy squares, always line your baking pan with an overhang of parchment paper so you can lift the entire chilled slab out of the pan. Use a large, sharp chef's knife to cut the bars, and make sure to wipe the blade completely clean with a warm, damp paper towel between every single slice!

The Best Key Lime Pie Bars (Easy 6-Ingredient Recipe!)

The Best Key Lime Pie Bars

Print Recipe

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 squares
Category: Bars & Brownies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh Key lime juice (or bottled)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lime zest

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out later.
Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until it feels like wet sand.
Bake Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan using the back of a measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes.
Whisk Filling: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, and lime zest until completely smooth and slightly thickened.
Bake Filling: Pour the filling over the warm crust. Bake for 15-17 minutes, just until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
Chill: Let cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before slicing into clean squares.

Notes

Slicing Tip: Wipe your knife blade with a warm, damp towel between every single cut for bakery-style squares!

Find it online: https://www.endrecipes.com/key-lime-pie-bars/