KEY-LIME BARS

Key-Lime Bars image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes 16

Number Of Ingredients 9

5 3/4 ounces graham crackers (about one-third of a 1-pound box), ground to fine crumbs in a food processor (1 cup plus 2 1/2 tablespoons)
1/3 cup sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 large egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest (about 2 limes)
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup fresh Key-lime juice (about 20 Key limes)
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 Key limes, thinly sliced into half-moons, for garnish

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together crumbs, sugar, and butter in a small bowl. Press evenly onto bottom of an 8-inch square glass pan. Bake until dry and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Leave oven on.
Place egg yolks and zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; beat on high speed until mixture is very thick, about 5 minutes. On medium speed, pour in condensed milk in a steady stream, scraping down sides of bowl. Beat on high speed until thick, about 3 minutes. On low speed, add lime juice; mix until just combined.
Pour filling over crust; spread evenly. Bake until just set, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
Beat cream in a medium bowl until stiff peaks just form. Cut dessert into 1 1/2-by-2-inch rectangles. Garnish each with whipped cream and a slice of Key lime.