Key Lime Blondie Bars

1578998122Key-Lime-Fudge.jpg

Why recepie famous for?

My tropical take on a beloved treat. These key lime bars combine the taste of the classic pie with a blondie batter and cream cheese frosting. You can make a thicker crust if desired.

Ingredients

1-1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs, divided
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons melted butter, divided
3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, divided
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 large egg white, room temperature
3 tablespoons Key lime juice
4-1/2 teaspoons grated Key lime zest
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Key lime slices, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9-in. square baking pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides. Combine 1 cup cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup melted butter and 3 tablespoons brown sugar; press onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
For blondie layer: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, egg white, lime juice and zest. In a small bowl, mix flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well.
Spread over crust. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes (do not overbake). Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
For streusel, combine the remaining 1/3 cup cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt, along with the vanilla and cinnamon, until crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
In a large bowl, combine all frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup streusel. Spread over bars. Sprinkle with reserved topping. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before cutting. Lifting with the parchment, remove from pan. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If desired, garnish with sliced Key limes.

leave comments


Open Recipes