Zesty Key Lime Dessert Squares
Indulge in a refreshing take on dessert with these Zesty Key Lime Dessert Squares! With the perfect balance of tangy lime and sweet creaminess, this recipe combines the convenience of Duncan Hines deluxe white cake mix with the lightness of reduced-fat condensed milk and whipped topping. Ideal for entertaining or satisfying your sweet tooth, these squares are topped with dollops of whipped cream and garnished with fresh lime slices for a delightful finishing touch. Each bite transports you to a tropical paradise, making them a must-try for any dessert lover!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (Chop and toast lightly.)
white cake mix
19 1/4 ounces (Duncan Hines deluxe recommended.)
butter
1/2 cup (Melted.)
egg yolks
3 (Separate from whites.)
sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces (Use reduced fat if desired.)
lime juice
2/3 cup (Freshly squeezed is preferable.)
green food coloring
1 drop (Optional, for color.)
frozen whipped topping
8 ounces (Thawed.)
lime slices
8 (For garnish.)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
FOR THE CRUST: Spread the chopped pecans in a shallow baking pan and toast in the oven for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted pecans, white cake mix, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
4
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan to create an even crust layer.
5
FOR THE FILLING: In a separate medium bowl, combine the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and if using, the drop of green food coloring. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
6
Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the filling is set. You can check this by gently shaking the pan; it should be firm in the center.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes at room temperature.
9
After cooling, refrigerate the dessert for about 2 hours until fully chilled.
10
To serve, cut the dessert into squares. Top each square with a dollop of thawed whipped topping and garnish with a lime slice, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Key Lime Dessert Squares?
They are a refreshing dessert featuring a tangy lime filling over a pecan and white cake mix crust, topped with whipped cream.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 servings.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What are the ingredients for the crust?
The crust is made from chopped pecans, white cake mix, and melted butter.
How do I prepare the pecans for the crust?
Chop the pecans and toast them in the oven for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
What type of cake mix is recommended?
Duncan Hines deluxe white cake mix is recommended for this recipe.
How much butter is used in the crust?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How do I combine the crust ingredients?
Stir the toasted pecans, cake mix, and melted butter together until the mixture is crumbly.
What size pan is needed?
Use an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
Should I grease the baking pan?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased pan.
What ingredients are in the filling?
The filling consists of egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and optional green food coloring.
How many egg yolks are required?
The recipe requires 3 egg yolks.
What kind of milk is used for the filling?
A 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk is used.
How much lime juice is needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of lime juice.
Is fresh lime juice better for this recipe?
Yes, freshly squeezed lime juice is preferable for the best flavor.
Is green food coloring mandatory?
No, the green food coloring is optional and used for visual appeal.
How do I mix the filling?
Whisk the egg yolks, condensed milk, lime juice, and food coloring until smooth and well blended.
How long does the dessert bake?
Bake the squares for 15 minutes.
How do I check if the filling is set?
Gently shake the pan; the filling should be firm in the center.
How long should the squares cool before refrigerating?
Let them cool for 15 minutes at room temperature.
How long does the dessert need to be chilled?
Refrigerate for about 2 hours until fully chilled.
What is used for the topping?
Top each square with a dollop of thawed frozen whipped topping.
How do I garnish the dessert?
Garnish with fresh lime slices if desired.
Can I use reduced-fat condensed milk?
Yes, reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk can be used if desired.
Is this a tropical-flavored dessert?
Yes, the combination of lime and pecans provides a tropical flavor profile.
What is the weight of the cake mix required?
The recipe calls for a 19 1/4 ounce box of white cake mix.
What is the amount of whipped topping needed?
You will need an 8-ounce container of frozen whipped topping.
Should the whipped topping be frozen when used?
No, the whipped topping should be thawed before serving.
What is the best way to serve these?
Cut into squares while chilled and serve with the topping and lime garnish.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and uses convenient ingredients like cake mix.