Key Lime Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2/3 cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- Whipped cream and lime slices for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Zester

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
5. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with an electric mixer until thick and pale.
6. Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest, and beat until well combined.
7. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until set.
9. Let cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
10. Cut into bars and serve with whipped cream and lime slices.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- Makes 9-12 bars

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Regular lime juice and zest can be used instead of key lime juice and zest.

Variations:
- Add a layer of whipped cream on top of the bars before serving.
- Use a mixture of graham cracker and chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars cleanly.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
- To make the bars more tart, add an extra tablespoon of lime juice.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- The bars can be served cold or at room temperature.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bars on a platter with lime slices and whipped cream.

Garnishes:
- Whipped cream and lime slices

Pairings:
- Serve with a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the filling is not setting, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.

Food history:
- Key lime pie is a classic dessert from the Florida Keys, made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.

Flavor profiles:
- Tart, sweet, and creamy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a seafood dinner.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: American

Taste: Citrusy, Tangy, Sweet, Tart, Zesty