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Tangy Key Lime Pie Bars with Crunchy Pretzel Crust

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These Tangy Key Lime Pie Bars feature a salty, crunchy pretzel crust paired with a smooth, tart key lime filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Quick and easy to make, they are ideal for summer parties and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed mini pretzels (about 60g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (85g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks, at room temperature
  • ½ cup fresh key lime juice (120 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
  • Optional garnish: lightly sweetened whipped cream
  • Optional garnish: additional crushed pretzels
  • Optional garnish: fresh lime slices or zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out later.
  2. Crush pretzels until fine but still slightly chunky (about 2 cups). Combine pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup to compact it tightly and evenly. Bake for 10 minutes until set and slightly golden on the edges. Remove and let cool while you prepare the filling.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, fresh key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
  5. Pour the filling over the slightly cooled pretzel crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top.
  6. Bake the bars for 15-18 minutes. The filling should set but still have a slight jiggle in the center—think firm custard, not completely solid. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks or dryness.
  7. Cool the bars to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up and develop flavor.
  8. Slice into bars using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat edges. Garnish with whipped cream, crushed pretzels, or lime zest if desired.

Notes

If the crust feels too loose before baking, add an extra tablespoon of melted butter. If the filling seems too runny, bake for an additional minute or two but watch closely to avoid overbaking. Use fresh key lime juice for best flavor. Chill bars well before slicing for clean cuts. For gluten-free, substitute pretzels with gluten-free crackers or nuts. For dairy-free, use coconut oil and dairy-free condensed milk alternatives.

Nutrition

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

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