Key Lime Bars

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer.
2. Bake the crust
   Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven but keep the oven on. Allow the crust to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
3. Make the lime filling
   In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add the lime juice and lime zest, whisking until well combined. The mixture will begin to thicken slightly due to the acidity of the lime juice.
4. Bake the bars
   Pour the filling over the partially cooled crust, spreading it evenly to the edges. Return to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the filling is just set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Do not overbake.
5. Cool completely
   Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. The bars will continue to set and firm up during this time.
6. Prepare whipped cream
   Just before serving, make the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Finish and serve
   Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the chilled bars out of the pan. Cut into squares with a clean, sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts. Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of lime zest, and a small lime slice if desired.