St Patricks Lime Bars (Printable Version)
Tangy lime bars atop a golden graham crust, ideal for festive gatherings and bright flavor.
# What You Need:
→ Graham Cracker Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 - Pinch of salt
→ Lime Filling
05 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
06 - 4 large egg yolks
07 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
08 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
09 - 2-3 drops green food coloring (optional)
→ Topping
10 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
11 - Thin lime slices or zest, for garnish (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt in a bowl. Mix until crumbs are evenly moistened.
03 - Press mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
04 - Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, lime zest, and green food coloring if using until smooth and fully combined.
05 - Pour lime filling over cooled crust, spreading evenly.
06 - Bake for 15-18 minutes, until center is set but still slightly jiggly.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting.
08 - Use parchment to lift bars from pan. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lime slices or zest if desired. Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The way the buttery crust crumbles just slightly when you take that first bite
- That perfect balance between tangy lime and sweet condensed milk that makes you wonder why you dont make lime desserts more often
02 -
- Overbaking makes the filling dry and grainy, so pull them out when they still have that slight wobble in the center
- Chilling time is non negotiable, warm bars will crumble apart when you try to cut them
03 -
- The parchment paper overhang is your best friend for lifting the entire batch out intact
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the filling from separating or becoming grainy