Description
Delight in these creamy key lime pie bars with a crisp toasted coconut graham crust—a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, finely crushed)
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- Zest of 2 limes
- Optional: whipped cream or lightly sweetened coconut cream for serving
- Optional: extra toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Toast the coconut: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the shredded coconut and stir frequently for 3–5 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
- Create the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, toasted coconut, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Mix in the butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter into the dry mixture and stir until it resembles wet sand that holds together when pressed.
- Press the crust: Firmly pack the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared 9×9 inch baking pan to form an even crust.
- Bake the crust: Place in the oven for about 10 minutes, until set and lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh key lime juice and lime zest until fully combined and creamy.
- Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust and smooth the top with your spatula.
- Bake the filling: Return to the oven, baking for 12–15 minutes.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
- Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water (then wiped dry) to slice the bars neatly.
Notes
These bars taste great after a day in the fridge, making them perfect for preparing in advance. Using fresh ingredients will always elevate the dish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg