Key Lime Bars With Macadamia Crust

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, chopped macadamia nuts, and granulated sugar for the crust. Stir in the melted butter until everything is well combined and resembles wet sand.

3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

4. While the crust is cooling, prepare the filling. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks until smooth and well blended.

5. Pour the filling mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

6. Remove the Key Lime Bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow them to completely set.

7. When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, and transfer them to a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars of your desired size using a sharp knife.

8. For an extra touch, garnish your Key Lime Bars with a sprinkle of additional lime zest, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few extra macadamia nuts on top.