Atlantic-Beach-Tart Bars

Atlantic Beach-Tart Bars
Photo: Johnny Miller
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
16

Lemon bars meet Key lime pie in this luscious hybrid dessert. Sweetened condensed milk is brightened up with lemon juice for the creamy filling, and the press-in saltine crust couldn't be easier to put together.

Ingredients

  • Vegetable-oil cooking spray

  • 7 ounces saltine crackers (about 54)

  • 1 stick plus 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large egg yolks plus 1 large egg

  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk (1 ¼ cups)

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from 4 to 6 lemons)

  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

  • Confectioners' sugar, for serving

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 14-by-4-inch fluted-edge tart pans with removable bottoms with cooking spray. In a food processor, pulse crackers until finely ground (you should have 2 1/4 cups). Add butter and granulated sugar; pulse to combine. Divide mixture between pans and firmly press into bottoms and up sides. Bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

  2. Just before removing crusts, whisk together eggs and yolks, then whisk in condensed milk, lemon juice, and salt. Remove baked crusts from oven and carefully divide filling between pans. Return to oven and bake until set, 12 to 15 minutes.

  3. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Remove from pans; dust with confectioners' sugar. Cut into fingers or squares; serve.

Cook's Notes

This recipe can also be made in one 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet. Line the sheet with parchment after spraying, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides, and use the overhangs to lift the tart out once cold to cut into squares.

Related Articles