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Creamy Lime Bars

Close up homemade creamy lime bars on warm wooden countertop
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These Creamy Lime Bars are an easy, no-fuss dessert that rivals key lime pie. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety, cheesecake-like lime filling, they are perfectly tart, sweet, and refreshing. Ideal for summer gatherings or a simple sweet treat, they require minimal oven time and chill to a clean, sliceable perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons lime zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in melted butter and stir with a fork until mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and beat until fully combined.
  5. Add lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. The center will still be slightly jiggly. Remove from oven.
  8. Cool the bars on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for cleaner slices.
  9. Once fully chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Slice into 16 squares and serve cold. Garnish with extra lime zest if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lime juice and zest. Bottled juice will not yield the same bright flavor. Chilling overnight is recommended for the cleanest slices. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

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