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A delicious plate of St Patricks Key Lime Bars

St Patricks Key Lime Bars

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these vibrant and tangy Key Lime Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a zesty lime filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. A refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Bars, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cup graham cracker crumbs Forms the delicious, buttery base of the bars.
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the graham cracker crust.
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter Melted, for binding the crust ingredients together.
  • 1 pinch salt Enhances the flavors in the crust.
  • 4 large egg yolks Provides richness and helps set the lime filling.
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk The creamy, sweet base for the key lime filling.
  • 0.5 cup fresh Key lime juice or regular lime juice Delivers the signature tart and refreshing lime flavor.
  • 2 tsp finely grated lime zest Intensifies the citrus aroma and taste.
  • 2 drops green food coloring Optional, for a festive St. Patrick's Day color.
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream For making a light and airy topping.
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
  • as needed garnish Lime slices or zest Optional, for a beautiful presentation and a hint of extra lime flavor.

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Medium Bowl
  • Large Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer (optional for whipped cream)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks until slightly thickened. Add sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and food coloring if using. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
  5. Pour filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
  7. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  8. Lift bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares. Top each bar with whipped cream and garnish with lime slices or zest if desired.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh Key lime juice if possible. These bars are best served chilled and can be made a day ahead for easy entertaining.