These Key Lime Pie Bars are the perfect summer treat! Easy to whip up and bursting with flavor, they are ideal for picnics, parties, or simply enjoying at home. With a buttery crust and a creamy, tangy filling, these bars will impress your friends and family alike. They bring a delightful burst of citrus to any occasion, making them a must-try dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 55 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Deliciously Tangy: The combination of fresh lime juice and zest creates a refreshing tartness that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the filling.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these bars chilled from the fridge or topped with whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a holiday celebration, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead Delight: These key lime pie bars can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy stress-free entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Key Lime Pie Bars, having the right tools on hand will streamline your baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Mixing bowl
Whisk
9×13-inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: Quickly grinds the vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs for the crust.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly for both the crust and filling.
Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth texture when mixing the egg yolks and condensed milk.

Ingredients

These perfectly tart and tangy key lime pie bars are a breeze to make and are delicious served straight from the fridge on a hot summer day!

For the Crust

2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely ground (250 g)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons light brown sugar

For the Filling

1 tablespoon lime zest, packed (6-7 key limes)
5 large egg yolks
22 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can and ¾ cup from 2nd can)
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

For Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a food processor, combine the finely ground vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and light brown sugar. Pulse until well mixed.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until they are light in color.
Gradually add in sweetened condensed milk while continuing to whisk until thoroughly combined.
Stir in fresh lime juice and lime zest until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Pour the filling over the cooled crust in your baking dish.
Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours.

Step 4: Prepare Topping

In a separate bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Once chilled, cut your key lime pie bars into squares and top each with whipped cream.

Enjoy your refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars as a delightful dessert that captures all the flavors of summer!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

These Key Lime Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet dessert at home, there are many ways to elevate your serving experience.

Chill and Serve

Serve the bars straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat on hot days. The coolness enhances the tart lime flavor.

Garnish with Whipped Cream

Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness. This contrast complements the tangy filling perfectly.

Add Fresh Fruit

Consider serving your bars with slices of fresh lime or berries. They add color and an extra burst of flavor to each bite.

Drizzle with Lime Sauce

Drizzle some homemade lime sauce over the bars for an extra zesty kick. This adds both visual appeal and a flavor boost.

Pair with Ice Cream

Offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the tartness of the bars.

How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars

Perfecting your Key Lime Pie Bars can make all the difference in taste and presentation. Here are some tips to help you achieve dessert perfection.

Use Fresh Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes a significant difference in flavor compared to bottled juice, giving your bars an authentic taste.
Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until blended. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light and fluffy filling.
Bake Until Just Set: Be careful not to overbake your bars. They should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven.
Chill Thoroughly: Allow your bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Key Lime Pie Bars can enhance your dessert experience even further. Here are some great options that complement their flavors.

Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add a sweet coconut flavor that balances well with the tartness of key lime.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring tropical fruits like mango or pineapple brings freshness to your meal and contrasts nicely with the richness of the bars.
Lemon Sorbet: The refreshing citrus sorbet is another great choice that cleanses your palate between bites of key lime pie bars.
Pineapple Salsa: This zesty salsa combines sweet and spicy elements that pair well with desserts, making it an exciting side option.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats offer a rich contrast while maintaining a fruity freshness that complements key lime flavors.
Graham Cracker Crust Bites: Mini graham cracker crusts filled with whipped cream or fruit make for delightful finger foods alongside your key lime pie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Key Lime Pie Bars can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Not measuring accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for ingredients like cookies and sugar to ensure your bars set properly.
Skipping the chill time: Allowing your bars to cool completely before slicing helps achieve clean, neat edges. Don’t be tempted to cut too soon!
Overmixing the filling: Mixing too much can introduce air, leading to cracks in your bars. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Using bottled lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives the best flavor. Always opt for fresh limes when making these delicious dessert bars.
Forgetting to zest: Lime zest adds a depth of flavor that enhances the tartness of the bars. Don’t skip this important step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Cut into squares before storing for easy serving.

Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars

Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best taste and texture.

Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual squares on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds until slightly warm.
Stovetop: Use a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring not to burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Key Lime Pie Bars.

How long do Key Lime Pie Bars last?

These bars can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can substitute regular limes if key limes are not available, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

What’s the best way to serve Key Lime Pie Bars?

Serve chilled from the refrigerator with whipped cream or lime slices for an extra refreshing touch.

Can I make Key Lime Pie Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free vanilla wafers to create a delicious gluten-free crust.

How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done?

The filling should be set but slightly jiggle in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These Key Lime Pie Bars are not only tangy and refreshing but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or add-ins like coconut or berries. Perfect for summer gatherings or any sweet craving, give this recipe a try!

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Key Lime Pie Bars

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Key Lime Pie Bars, the ultimate summer dessert! These easy-to-make bars boast a buttery crust and a creamy filling that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness. Ideal for picnics, parties, or a warm day spent at home, they are sure to impress your family and friends. With just the right amount of citrus zing, these Key Lime Pie Bars are not only delightful but also versatile; enjoy them chilled with whipped cream or topped with fresh fruit. Simple yet elegant, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover looking for a taste of summer.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups vanilla wafer cookies
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon lime zest
5 large egg yolks
22 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, blend vanilla wafer cookies with melted butter and light brown sugar until combined. Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for about 10 minutes until golden.
In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks until light in color. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk while whisking; then stir in lime juice and zest until smooth.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool before refrigerating for at least two hours.
For topping, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Cut bars into squares and add whipped cream before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American