Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

Key lime pie bars are a delightful twist on the traditional key lime pie, offering a zesty, creamy filling on top of a buttery graham cracker crust. These bite-sized bars pack all the flavor of the classic dessert in a more convenient, shareable form. In this easy recipe, you'll learn how to make key lime pie bars that are simple, quick, and perfect for any occasion. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

What are Key Lime Pie Bars?

Key lime pie bars are a dessert that combines the refreshing tartness of key limes with a smooth, creamy filling, all set on a graham cracker crust. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make. Unlike the traditional pie, bars are more portable, easier to cut, and great for serving a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, need a quick potluck treat, or just crave a citrusy dessert, key lime pie bars are a fantastic choice.

Ingredients List for Key Lime Pie Bars

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full crackers)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Key Lime Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest (optional for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
• Key lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

You can customize key lime pie bars in several ways to suit your preferences or ingredients on hand:

1. Crust Alternatives: While graham crackers are the traditional choice, you can switch it up with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even ginger snaps for a spicy twist.
2. Lime Variations: If you can’t find key limes, regular limes will do the trick. You can also experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or orange for a different flavor profile.
3. Dairy-Free Version: Replace the butter in the crust with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. For the filling, use a dairy-free condensed milk and whipped coconut cream for the topping.
4. Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or other gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients and discussed possible variations, let’s dive into how to make these easy key lime pie bars.

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust bakes evenly and the bars come out perfectly.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the crumbs are fully coated in butter. The mixture should have the texture of wet sand.
3. Press the Crust: Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish in an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to press it down tightly.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
5. Make the Key Lime Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until they are pale and thick. Add the sweetened condensed milk and whisk until fully combined. Gradually stir in the key lime juice and zest, if using, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the Filling: Pour the key lime filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the Bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The filling will continue to firm up as it cools.
8. Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set completely. Chilling is crucial for getting clean, sharp slices.

How to Cook Key Lime Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: Either crush the graham crackers in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
3. Bake the Crust: Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and bake until golden brown.
4. Make the Filling: Whisk egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and key lime juice together to form a smooth mixture.
5. Bake the Bars: Pour the filling onto the baked crust and bake again until the filling is just set.
6. Chill: Allow the bars to cool before chilling them for at least two hours to ensure the filling is firm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Filling: Overmixing can introduce too much air into the filling, leading to a less creamy texture. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
2. Skipping the Chill Time: Rushing the chilling process can result in bars that don’t hold their shape when cut. Be patient and let them cool completely in the fridge.
3. Using Too Much Juice: More lime juice might seem like a good idea for extra flavor, but it can cause the filling to be too runny. Stick to the recipe for the perfect balance.
4. Not Using Parchment Paper: Without parchment paper, the bars can be difficult to remove from the pan. The overhang makes it easy to lift them out once they’re set.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving key lime pie bars, presentation can make all the difference. These simple bars can look elegant with just a few touches.

1. Garnish with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each bar adds a light, fluffy contrast to the tart filling.
2. Add Lime Zest: Sprinkle a bit of lime zest over the bars for an extra pop of color and flavor.
3. Use Lime Slices: Top each bar with a thin slice of key lime for an eye-catching garnish that also reinforces the lime flavor.
4. Serve Cold: Key lime pie bars are best served chilled, so keep them in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

1. On Their Own: These bars are delicious enough to be served on their own, either chilled or slightly frozen for a refreshing treat.
2. With Whipped Cream: A light swirl of whipped cream on top of each slice elevates the dessert and balances out the tartness.
3. With Fresh Berries: Adding a side of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, pairs beautifully with the citrusy flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Key Lime Pie Bars

Presentation can take your key lime pie bars from simple to stunning. Here are a few creative ideas:

1. Mini Bars: Cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares for easy-to-grab finger food at parties.
2. Individual Servings: Serve each bar on a small dessert plate with a fork and a sprig of mint or a swirl of whipped cream on the side.
3. Layered Dessert: For a fun twist, layer the crust, filling, and whipped cream in a jar or small glass for a deconstructed key lime pie.

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe Tips

1. Use Fresh Lime Juice: While bottled key lime juice works, using fresh lime juice provides a more vibrant flavor. You’ll need about 15-20 key limes for ½ cup of juice.
2. Zest First: If you’re using fresh limes, zest them before juicing. It’s much easier to zest a whole lime than one that’s been juiced.
3. Make Ahead: These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare them the night before your event, and they’ll be perfectly chilled and set when it’s time to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
   Yes! While key limes are preferred for their distinct flavor, regular limes work just as well and are more commonly available.
2. How long do key lime pie bars last in the fridge?
   Key lime pie bars can last up to 3 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I freeze key lime pie bars?
   Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
4. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
   You can use aluminum foil instead, but make sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

There you have it—an easy and delicious recipe for key lime pie bars that’s sure to impress. These bars are zesty, creamy, and perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and minimal steps, they’re a great dessert to whip up for a party or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the refreshing taste of homemade key lime pie bars. Happy baking!

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