Lime Bars Graham Crust

The first time I made lime bars, I was housesitting for my aunt during July and her kitchen had this gorgeous afternoon light streaming through the window. I zested four limes while listening to a podcast, and the whole house started smelling like summer before I even turned on the oven. Those bars turned out so bright and creamy that I ended up making them three more times that month.

I brought these to a potluck last spring and watched three different people ask for the recipe before they even finished their first square. Something about that bright green color against the golden crust makes people smile before they even take a bite. My friend Sarah still texts me every time she makes them, which is basically her way of saying thank you for introducing them to her life.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: Freshly crushed give you the best texture but store bought work perfectly fine in a pinch
• Unsalted butter: Melt it completely so every crumb gets coated and you get that perfect pressable texture
• Sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes the filling so silky and rich so do not swap it out
• Fresh lime juice: Bottled juice simply cannot replicate the bright authentic taste you need here
• Egg yolks: Room temperature yolks incorporate more smoothly into the filling mixture
• Lime zest: Use a microplane to get just the green part and avoid the bitter white pith underneath

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 350 degrees F and line an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper letting the ends hang over like little handles

Make the crust:

Mix crumbs with sugar butter and salt until everything looks like wet sand then press it firmly into the pan using the bottom of a measuring cup

Brief bake time:

Spend 8 to 10 minutes in the oven until just barely golden then set it aside while you make the filling

Whisk the filling:

Combine condensed milk egg yolks lime juice and zest until completely smooth and pour over your warm crust

Finish baking:

Another 15 minutes until the center barely wiggles when you shake the pan then cool completely before chilling

Pin Recipe

My dad who claims to not like desserts had four of these at a family gathering and kept saying he was just testing the texture. The way the sweet crust plays against that punchy lime filling somehow works on people who swear they only like chocolate. These bars have become my go to for summer birthdays and office parties alike.

Making Ahead

I have made these up to two days in advance and they actually get better as the flavors meld together in the fridge. Keep them tightly covered so they do not absorb any other food odors from your refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving makes these look extra fancy. I have also topped them with fresh berries when I want to add some color and make them feel even more special.

Storage Tips

These need to stay refrigerated because of the egg yolks and condensed milk. They will keep perfectly for about four days if stored in an airtight container.

• Place a piece of parchment between layers if you need to stack them
• Let them sit at room temperature for about ten minutes before serving for the best texture
• The crust softens slightly over time but that just makes them more delicious

Pin Recipe

Every time I pull these out of the fridge I get excited all over again about sharing them. Hope they bring as much brightness to your kitchen as they have to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of crust is used for these lime bars?

A buttery graham cracker crust serves as a crisp, flavorful base for the lime filling.

→ How is the lime filling made creamy and tangy?

The filling combines sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks, creating a smooth and tangy texture.

→ Can the bars be topped with something extra?

Yes, an optional whipped cream topping dusted with lime zest adds a light, sweet finishing touch.

→ How long should the bars chill before serving?

Chilling for at least one hour allows the filling to fully set and flavors to meld.

→ Are there tips for enhancing the lime flavor?

Using key limes or adding a pinch of sea salt to the crust can intensify the citrus notes and overall taste.

→ How should lime bars be stored to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days to keep them fresh and flavorful.