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Tangy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe with Easy Crunchy Pretzel Crust

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These tangy key lime pie bars feature a crunchy pretzel crust paired with a creamy, zesty lime filling. Perfect for a quick, refreshing dessert that’s easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels (about 90g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (85g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (120ml)
  • Zest of 2 key limes
  • Optional: a pinch of vanilla extract
  • Optional Topping: whipped cream or lightly sweetened whipped topping
  • Optional Topping: extra lime zest or thin lime slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Crush pretzels finely but leave some bigger chunks for texture. In a bowl, mix crushed pretzels with sugar, salt, and melted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring even coverage and compactness. Bake for 10 minutes until set and slightly golden. Let cool.
  4. In a clean bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth and slightly pale, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk, whisking constantly to combine.
  5. Add fresh key lime juice and zest to the mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly until slightly thickened.
  6. Pour the filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake again for 15 minutes or until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  8. Cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  9. Slice into bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts. Serve with whipped cream and extra lime zest if desired.

Notes

If crust softens after refrigeration, reheat bars at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to refresh crunch. Use fresh key lime juice for best flavor. Clean knife between cuts for neat slices. Vegan and gluten-free adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime pie bars, pretzel crust, tangy dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, lime bars, crunchy crust

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/tangy-key-lime-pie-bars-recipe-with-easy-crunchy-pretzel-crust/