![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sXIjHzxbD6-gx9UsijuCo5EYYds321pKP6LHWIc57WTE9RGn9qHM8_4K2ekMjuA_YWM2fH9viwgB7i0BUHuKeOobu-UpSRNHYJIopXA2QQeFrY8megfZPjmy_fr0vS2mvy1OF_r4Sswv/s800/DSC_0616-2%253A710.jpg)
I've been making this recipe for many years. In fact, I made them for this here blog over a year ago, but never posted them because I neglected to get a shot of the finished product. You know something's good when it gets devoured before you have a chance to get pictures!
Every time I make them I get asked for the recipe. I've also heard from multiple people who are not typically "Key lime" fans, that they loved them. I suspect it's the crust that sets these apart from other recipes...which is made using animal crackers...a brilliant idea!
The original recipe suggests to cut the bars into 2" squares, which I think is a bit overkill. I've always preferred to slice them into little bite-sized bars. But, of course, it's up to you...either way works!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSu1Y8Tr0aYCWy2TMH3xvFht_whM1OW94YEqDCVEypjp154uoDrQoo2A9BGvgcYhewvulyvyGZnA-WP8mUQjd5GyrtkB1hZZ9BqpbA1lAjIBhYBhjKlwl7mQBPMs4NHmcQmXAzms84AzJ/s800/DSC_0275-1%253A710.jpg)
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9" x 9" baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. Coat with non-stick cooking spray & set aside.
Add 5 ounces of animal crackers to the bowl of a food processor,
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxODjw2PGI61V_nshp3Yz8haL1mAC6HEWvcDVtVfzA0I-GqbAEPERR24zqQ-M3HC-AOUuCYHMTAl_XEFtKvIL5f0tgvcZ-llZ2uESbTh2vBxOb5MmAQlSfTmgH1dxUV-mRCKU0tSU6HwOn/s400/DSC_0334-1%253A341.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwocGSVE6tHuYJe-Jh6oVWNcp1QvTc0SCy4bp3h9Tyn30NMoV6Fkeh_vg-ADNFNPsTZBEONErOMd49jV3_ylf8Z9oDUzmKxgQg_zps3j9D4lYx_FcqYOzyIwra8NbomyH-Fr51Mz9nEqK/s400/DSC_0309-1%253A341.jpg)
and pulse until finely ground. Add 3 {packed} tablespoons of brown sugar & 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Process until combined.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyHP4bxhB_7bLWsb8HRMDvRdf51bfnnvSOluQptBlUq-DHFya2ullyUtzwzCK_Pn9WSy_amWiiZOmW_yckPlk0dmNAMxYOK9-fvpaj8lBwtdLyu2QnagHiGnAJd2PQUMMP7zhKqyuXLv4/s800/DSC_0378-1%253A710.jpg)
Drizzle a 1/2 stick of melted unsalted butter over the crumbs & pulse until evenly moistened.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLRF3pUVYh4dfYqWQrUhTL3NRpXf_y14LfrUbkch2hAD8tRIBB8d___dyYakNSWhfNqbHStNluEa8wQxcU94Or6YP4R1m-u0Z_jVsmndD_m4N-ZAeKGIXsblSXAHwUZ7b-pbjQ20I_dhG/s400/DSC_0391-1%253A341.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q-AJ5k9mCTxI8XplQgXaUFsRigIOSuf6gMpKGxVXvDdVRCvlZMUW9_IgwYC8xsrQiHEPAr2CLIJJf1scsZpjhmv4U4jr89p_7QRsjvAmEFHBAUKkdJ15ucH80jNlzbzZcXtEHRXuWfjG/s400/DSC_0418-1%253A341.jpg)
Press the crumbs evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, leaving the oven on.
Add 2 ounces of softened cream cheese, the zest of 3 limes & an 1/8 teaspoon salt to a mixing bowl.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidskmMSxq0yxFamIdnYAzMrT2vlbxH3yqjYc_ZvskoWwEMEjrifHhoRgGsu5V_2IUjKmvgv8GYOxHPBcrRmTXWMR0g2gzNznD8-nXQ26z-56ddbU3oO0z-CI3qD2dNfqb6e-dKy25rxkvK/s400/DSC_0467-1%253A341.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVRQ64h2r51yJ3dPrhELVWvm4HG093rVW_ydsRzI1otmChRiuP2Kl_hpLNT1xTFhfamNwb71DwZz_0adpcEEG7ZzJ0lZZvvAZArMlC8_qvaARJwwSfaR4mMs8QwiFkvpeJNd9MqHjybGS/s400/DSC_0485-1%253A341.jpg)
Stir until softened and smooth. Add in a 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk & whisk until no lumps of cream cheese remain.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPWrFT_bGSZmQD9Ejo5aNm4cQmp26o29JwikbO-sC2EMpcv6IPddunIxB9l3ym8jrcNL4hyphenhyphenK8tMSxt6fwSbLcmuLcB2vbS90HlMoZvsUPIT-J3MUOE0eenJJdtCLFSPSoBZzgOVBHvi8Q/s800/DSC_0444-1%253A710.jpg)
Then, whisk in one egg yolk. Add the juice from 3 limes & whisk until incorporated {the mixture will thicken as you whisk}.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0v_wy4Fc_30qF0rqqdA-8S0IB0ivxfUgISUfZswKX4MJZbCp9EGaYLltlGpGXq8LXYeRpNyrBcPNyZmHFAI_WnIvhXmFE_j3mcgBAEDkZp0KbpuhLqZ1HVjcXLSJel3mZDV31ytqhIMk/s400/DSC_0510-1%253A341.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexLgold7iNo5Wjtjv1wprLrB8h3wFUpH_GkhZHgNbez_rUD9WDPrpkGev5anVZ44zisFzvRsKAwg34NB5FN92hzdzBwHGWExaw8HuWzSF6mgPQhDw9fmJLmx9sV5P_6p7GysL4oD-1hh5/s400/DSC_0528-1%253A341.jpg)
Pour the filling over the cooled crust & use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set. When done, the edges will puff up slightly & pull away from the edges of the pan. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifmosojP8vISmPyM0GtjHU7qWR7w6ZiWmT26eEJBZlsJJljFke0RLVVno5IURfDYIYpyEtsHlWt1OEuj3t-zJicZGUxrwkl71hViRogAm-KwGsmZf3_o4uY6UPye72DvEkJEWBFkx4oFS/s800/DSC_0570-2%253A710.jpg)
Use the foil overhang to remove the bars from the pan. Cut into 1" squares using a sharp knife & serve.
Key Lime Bars
Makes 64-1" bars {or 24-2" bars}Adapted {barely} from Cook's Illustrated, July 2006
I have listed the quantities for the lime zest & lime juice according to what regular {Persian} limes would yield...as Key limes are not always available. If you can find Key limes, use the alternative measurements that I've given.
For the Crust:
5 ounces animal crackers
3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
2 ounces {softened} cream cheese
zest of 3 limes {or 1 tablespoon}
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 {14 ounce} can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg yolk
juice from 3 limes {or 1/2 cup}
1 cup toasted sweetened shredded coconut {as an optional garnish}
non-stick cooking spray
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9" x 9" baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. Coat with non-stick cooking spray & set aside.
For the Crust: Add the animal crackers to the bowl of a food processor & pulse until finely ground. Add the brown sugar & salt; process until combined. Drizzle the melted butter over the crumbs & pulse until evenly moistened. Press the crumbs evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, leaving the oven on.
For the Filling: Add the cream cheese, lime zest & salt to a mixing bowl. Stir until softened and smooth. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until no lumps of cream cheese remain. Whisk in the egg yolk. Add the lime juice; whisk until incorporated & the mixture has thickened.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust & use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set. When done, the edges will puff up slightly & pull away from the edges of the pan. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Use the foil overhang to remove the bars from the pan. Cut into 1" squares using a sharp knife. It's helpful to run the knife under hot water & wipe it clean between slices. Sprinkle the bars with shredded coconut before serving, if desired.
To Make Ahead: The bars can be stored, refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Click here for the printable recipe.
8 comments:
These look really good - and I love that you put them in cupcake cases! Genius!
I love key lime ANYTHING, and I love the coconut on top!! Isn't Cooks Illustrated awesome! I have such good luck with all their recipes! Animal crackers do make an interesting crust- I might try them with shortbread since I have some to use up from the holidays, and it's getting harder and harder to resist opening the box the longer it's in the pantry :)
OMG! Trying them asap! Looks amazing! Love the animal cracker idea!
How fun and delicious looking too! Beautiful picture!
I guess I fall into the "grown up" category because I would love these! Key lime is an ultimate favorite of mine!
Love the animal cracker crust idea. I have not had much luck with making lime bars, but I may have to give these a try.
I've gotta try these. The animal cracker crust is what really make me want to make them. i love key lime anything ;) thanks for the recipe
These look superb! Yum!
Post a Comment