Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

Looking for a refreshing, tangy, and sweet dessert that's both simple and impressive? These Easy Key Lime Pie Bars are the perfect solution! With a buttery graham cracker crust and a zesty, creamy filling, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating your family, or simply craving a citrusy delight, these bars deliver flavor and convenience in one package. Keep reading to discover the full recipe, tips, and tricks to make these Key Lime Pie Bars the star of your dessert table!

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What Are Key Lime Pie Bars?

Key Lime Pie Bars are a variation of the classic key lime pie but in a convenient, bar form. They have all the flavors of the traditional dessert, like the tartness of key lime juice balanced by the sweetness of condensed milk, but they come in an easier-to-serve and eat bar shape. The crust is typically made from graham crackers, offering a crunchy contrast to the smooth and creamy filling. These bars are often chilled and served cold, making them the perfect treat for warm weather.

Ingredients List for Key Lime Pie Bars

For the crust, you'll need:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full-size graham crackers)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling, gather:

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

For the topping (optional but recommended):

• Whipped cream or whipped topping
• Extra lime zest or thin lime slices for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

If you're missing a few ingredients or want to experiment with your Key Lime Pie Bars, here are some easy substitutions and variations:

• Crust Variations: While graham cracker crust is the classic choice, you can also try digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor. For a nutty twist, you can mix in ground almonds or coconut flakes into the crust.
• Key Lime Substitutes: If you can’t find key limes or key lime juice, regular lime juice works perfectly fine. In fact, you can even mix lemon and lime juice for a more complex citrus flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the butter in the crust for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. For the filling, use a coconut-based condensed milk. The result will be a deliciously tropical twist!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers to create the crust, and you’ll have a dessert that’s safe for those avoiding gluten.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making these Key Lime Pie Bars is quick and simple. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a tangy, delicious dessert ready to enjoy in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press the crust mixture evenly into a 9x9-inch baking dish, making sure to pack it down firmly. You can use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smooth it out. Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until it's lightly golden. Once done, set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are smooth and slightly thickened. Add the sweetened condensed milk and lime juice, stirring until fully combined. If you're using lime zest, fold it in at this stage for an extra citrus kick.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Pour the filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The creamy filling should be smooth and level across the crust.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Place the assembled Key Lime Pie Bars into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The bars will firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Chill the Bars

Once baked, allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. This step is essential to achieve the perfect creamy texture!

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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the graham cracker crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9x9-inch pan and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the filling by whisking together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and key lime juice.
4. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 15-20 minutes until the filling is set.
5. Chill the bars in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not using enough lime juice: The tartness is what makes these bars stand out. Don’t be shy with the lime juice!
• Overbaking: The bars should be slightly jiggly when you take them out of the oven. Overbaking can result in a dry and crumbly texture.
• Skipping the chilling process: Allow the bars to chill for at least 2 hours to achieve the best consistency. If you cut into them too early, they won’t have set properly and could be too runny.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Key Lime Pie Bars truly stand out, follow these serving and presentation tips:

• Cutting Perfect Bars: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. You can also dip the knife in warm water before cutting for even smoother edges.
• Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a nice balance to the tartness of the bars. You can pipe it on top for a professional finish.
• Zest It Up: A sprinkle of lime zest on top adds a pop of color and a burst of extra flavor.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

These bars are best served cold, straight from the fridge. For a refreshing dessert, serve them with a side of fresh berries or a cool fruit salad. You can also pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a nice contrast between the hot drink and cold dessert.

Presentation Ideas for Key Lime Pie Bars

For an impressive presentation, try these ideas:

• Garnish with Lime Slices: Thinly sliced lime wheels or wedges placed on top of the bars can give a fresh, decorative look.
• Mini Dessert Plates: Serve individual squares on small dessert plates with a drizzle of raspberry or strawberry coulis for a pop of color.
• Edible Flowers: Garnish the plates with edible flowers like pansies or violets for an elegant touch.

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Key Limes: If possible, opt for fresh key limes for the best flavor. It takes a little extra effort to juice them, but the bright, tangy taste is worth it.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They actually taste even better after chilling overnight!
• Double the Recipe: If you're serving a crowd, simply double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13-inch pan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
A: Yes! Regular limes work just as well, though the flavor will be slightly less tart. You can also mix lime and lemon juice for a similar effect.

Q: How long do Key Lime Pie Bars last?
A: These bars will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, these bars taste even better after they’ve had time to chill and set in the fridge.

Q: Can I use bottled lime juice?
A: Yes, bottled lime juice is a convenient option if you don't have fresh limes. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars or preservatives.

Conclusion

These Easy Key Lime Pie Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a zesty lime filling, they’re sure to impress at any gathering. Plus, they’re simple to make and can be customized to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you’re looking for a summer treat or just a burst of citrusy goodness, these bars won’t disappoint. Try them out today, and enjoy a little slice of tropical heaven!

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