Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

A Tangy Slice of Sunshine: Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe!

There’s something absolutely irresistible about Key Lime Pie Bars! These delightful treats are the perfect balance of creamy and tart, capturing the essence of summer with every bite. If you’ve ever visited a coastal town known for its citrus groves, you’ve likely encountered this refreshing dessert. The unique flavor of key limes, paired with a buttery graham cracker crust, creates an experience that transports you straight to paradise. Not only are they easy to whip up, but they also make a stunning presentation for any gathering—trust me, your friends will be raving about them long after the last crumb is gone!

Much like our popular Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, these Key Lime Pie Bars offer a deliciously sweet experience that your family will adore. With a quick preparation time and a family-friendly appeal, these bars are bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this refreshing and tangy treat—it’s time to embrace the zesty goodness of Key Lime Pie Bars!

What are Key Lime Pie Bars?

Have you ever wondered what makes Key Lime Pie Bars so special? Well, it all starts with the key lime, a tiny fruit bursting with zesty flavor. Unlike regular limes, key limes are smaller, have a bolder acidity, and possess a unique fragrance that adds to their charm. They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and I can promise you that these bars are a surefire way to enchant anyone! Imagine pulling out a tray of these vibrant bars and watching everyone’s faces light up in delight. Delve into this tangy treat and discover why it carries a name that sparks curiosity. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for taking this delicious leap!

Why You’ll Love Key Lime Pie Bars:

Key Lime Pie Bars are the quintessential dessert for anyone looking to indulge without feeling guilty. Let’s break down why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

1. The Flavor Burst: The main highlight of these bars is their unique flavor. The combination of the tart key lime and the sweetness of condensed milk creates a heavenly balance that dances on your palate. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
2. Cost-Effective: Why buy expensive desserts from a restaurant when you can create these luscious treats at home? Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of saying, “I made this!” with pride.
3. Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Whether you prefer a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of lime zest, or some fresh berries on top, these bars serve as a fantastic canvas for personalization.

Similar to our own Lemon Bars, these Key Lime Pie Bars are a crowd-pleaser that invites variety and flair. So grab your apron and let’s bake up a batch together!

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars:

Quick Overview

Making Key Lime Pie Bars is a breeze! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a creamy, tangy dessert that’s sure to impress. Prep time is only about 20 minutes, and then you just need to let them chill. Easy, right?

Key Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Bars:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful bars:

• 1 and ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
• 3 large egg yolks
• Zest from 2 limes (for an extra zing)
• Whipped cream and lime wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking dish to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust: Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Make the filling: In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth. Stir in the lime zest for that extra burst of flavor.
5. Pour and bake: Pour the key lime mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the center is set.
6. Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up for easy slicing.
7. Slice and serve: Once chilled, cut into squares, top with whipped cream and lime wedges, and enjoy!

What to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars With:

For a complete dessert experience, consider pairing your Key Lime Pie Bars with fresh fruit like strawberries or a side of tropical sorbet. A refreshing drink like iced tea or coconut lemonade perfectly complements the tartness of the bars and adds a delightful touch to your dessert table.

Top Tips for Perfecting Key Lime Pie Bars:

1. Ingredient Quality: Use fresh key lime juice if you can find it; it truly elevates the flavor compared to store-bought varieties.
2. Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process! The longer the bars chill, the easier they will be to slice and the better the flavors meld together.
3. Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the filling as it cooks; the center should be slightly jiggly when you take it out of the oven.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

To store leftover Key Lime Pie Bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to save them for a more extended period, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. When reheating, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving them chilled.

There you have it! With this wonderful Key Lime Pie Bars recipe, you’ll have a spectacular treat that’s not only delicious but also easy to make. Gather your ingredients, summon your friends and family, and create a memorable dessert experience that will leave everyone begging for seconds. Enjoy the sunshine-filled goodness of these tantalizing bars!

Key Lime Pie Bars

Delightfully creamy and tangy, these Key Lime Pie Bars capture the essence of summer in every bite, making them the perfect dessert for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs Use finely crushed crumbs for a uniform texture.
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted Makes the crust rich and flavorful.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar Sweetens the crust.

For the filling

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces) Provides creaminess and sweetness.
• 0.5 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice Use fresh, if possible, for best flavor.
• 3 large egg yolks Adds richness and helps set the filling.
• 2 pieces lime zest From 2 limes; for extra zing.

For serving

• as needed whipped cream For topping.
• as needed lime wedges For garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8x8-inch baking dish to form the crust.

Baking the crust

1. Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Making the filling

1. In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth.
2. Stir in the lime zest for that extra burst of flavor.

Finishing up

1. Pour the key lime mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the center is set.

Cooling and serving

1. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up for easy slicing.
2. Once chilled, cut into squares, top with whipped cream and lime wedges, and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use fresh key lime juice, and do not overbake the filling. Allowing the bars to chill properly will enhance the flavors and make slicing easier.