Key Lime Blondie Bars

Key Lime Blondie Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home

• Total Time: Prep: 35 min. + chilling Bake: 25 min. + cooling

• 

  Makes: 16 servings

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

Directions

• 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.

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SOURCE: Taste of Home