KEY LIME SQUARES

I have previously posted my recipe for Key Lime Pie.  These squares are even easier to make and they are smaller.  This recipe makes 9 squares or bars.  If you cannot find fresh Key Limes in your grocery store, look for Key lime juice in a bottle.  I have used Nellie and Joe's Key Lime Juice.

Graham Cracker Crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

2 T granulated sugar

6 T unsalted butter, melted

Pinch of sea salt

Spray bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.

Crush graham crackers in a zip lock plastic bag to make 1 ½ cups.

Pour into a bowl, add the sugar, melted butter, and salt and stir until combined.

Evenly press the mixture onto the bottom of the pan.

Place in the refrigerator to set up for 15 minutes, while oven preheats.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove pan from refrigerator and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool while making the filling.

Filling

3 large egg yolks, room temperature

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk

½ cup fresh squeezed or bottled Key lime juice 

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a wire whisk, beat the egg yolks at high speed until very fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Lower speed and add the cream cheese and beat at high speed another 3 minutes.

Lower speed and gradually add the condensed milk and continue to beat at high speed until thick, about 3 more minutes.

Lower the speed and slowly add the Key lime juice and mix another few seconds.

Evenly pour onto the cooled crust and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool completely then place in refrigerator until completely cold, about 1 hour.

Whipped Cream

1 cup very cold heavy whipping cream
3 T confectioners’ sugar

½ t pure vanilla extract

1 t grated lime zest (Persian limes are fine)

Whip cream until soft peaks are formed.

Add sugar and whip another minute.

Add vanilla and whip a few more seconds.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Loosen sides of pan with a table knife.

Cut into 9 squares and carefully transfer to dessert plates.

Spoon a dollop of whipped cream on top of each square and sprinkle tops with a little lime zest.

Makes 9 squares