Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the refreshing taste of key limes with a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. Their creamy filling and zesty flavor make them a standout treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Perfectly Tart and Sweet: The balance of tart key lime juice and sweet condensed milk creates an irresistible flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these bars chilled for a refreshing dessert or at room temperature for an easy treat.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for parties or potlucks, these bars are sure to impress your guests.
- Make Ahead Convenience: These bars can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for busy schedules.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Helps quickly crush graham crackers into fine crumbs, saving you time and effort.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: Ensures your cream cheese is whipped perfectly smooth for a creamy filling.
Ingredients
Key lime pie bars are a favorite dessert in a bar – a buttery graham cracker crust and a tart and creamy lime filling!!
Ingredients:
– 15 sheets graham crackers (or 30 squares)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– pinch salt
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
– 6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
– 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
– 4 egg yolks
– 1 tablespoon lime zest
– ½ cup key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the edges for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a food processor or large Ziploc bag, crush the graham crackers until fine crumbs form.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbs with sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling:
In a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or using a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined.
Incorporate egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is mixed well before adding the next. Then add lime zest, juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Bake Again
Pour the filling over your hot baked crust. Return it to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until set; avoid browning on top.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. When ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Top with Fresh Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a rich and creamy texture that beautifully complements the tartness of the key lime filling.
Garnish with Lime Slices
- Add bright slices of fresh lime on top for an eye-catching presentation and an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Serve with Coconut Flakes
- Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top provide a crunchy texture and tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with the creamy bars.
Accompany with Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a colorful plate and natural sweetness that contrasts the tart lime.
Drizzle with Lime Syrup
- A light drizzle of lime syrup enhances the citrus flavor and adds a glossy finish, making your bars even more enticing.
Offer Ice Cream on the Side
- Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a refreshing dessert experience that’s sure to please everyone.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
Achieving the perfect key lime pie bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out amazing every time.
- Use Fresh Juice – Whenever possible, use fresh key lime juice instead of bottled juice for a brighter, more authentic flavor.
- Soften Cream Cheese – Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing; this prevents lumps and ensures a smooth filling.
- Don’t Overbake – Bake just until set; overbaking can lead to cracks. The filling should slightly jiggle when you take it out.
- Chill Thoroughly – Letting the bars chill for several hours helps them set properly and enhances their flavors.
- Cut Cleanly – Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean lines for a beautiful presentation.
- Store Properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
Pairing side dishes with key lime pie bars can enhance your dining experience. Here are some tasty options that complement the flavors beautifully.
- Grilled Pineapple – The sweetness of grilled pineapple contrasts nicely with tartness, making it a refreshing addition.
- Coconut Rice – Light and aromatic coconut rice adds a subtle sweetness that harmonizes with the flavors of the key lime pie bars.
- Tropical Fruit Salad – A mix of mangoes, papayas, and kiwi creates a vibrant side dish bursting with flavor that pairs well with dessert.
- Minted Pea Salad – This refreshing salad offers bright notes from mint and peas, balancing out the richness of the bars.
- Spicy Shrimp Skewers – The heat from spicy shrimp skewers provides an exciting contrast to the sweet and tangy dessert.
- Avocado Toast – Simple avocado toast topped with sea salt makes for a savory bite that complements sweet treats perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making key lime pie bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using stale graham crackers: Fresh graham crackers yield a better crust. Always check the expiration date.
- Not chilling long enough: For the best texture, chill the bars for 2-4 hours. Rushing this step can result in a runny filling.
- Overmixing the filling: Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can create cracks.
- Skipping the lime zest: Lime zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; instead, use a microplane for fine zesting.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements lead to consistent results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep the bars separated with parchment paper if stacking.
Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a pan over low heat and cover to warm gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about key lime pie bars that might help you.
What are Key Lime Pie Bars?
Key lime pie bars are a dessert featuring a creamy lime filling on a buttery crust, perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave something sweet.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, while key limes offer a unique flavor, regular limes can be used as a substitute without compromising the dessert significantly.
How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done?
The filling should be set but not browned. A slight jiggle is okay; they will firm up as they cool.
Are Key Lime Pie Bars easy to make?
Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want to impress guests.
Final Thoughts
Key lime pie bars combine tartness with creaminess in a delightful way. Their versatility allows for customization—try adding coconut or berries! Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a go!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Key lime pie bars are a refreshing twist on the classic dessert, featuring a luscious creamy filling made with zesty key limes and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a summer picnic or a holiday gathering—these bars promise to be a crowd-pleaser. The delightful balance of sweetness and tartness makes them irresistible, while their easy preparation allows anyone to whip them up quickly. Top them with fresh whipped cream or serve alongside tropical fruits for an elevated treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 15 sheets graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- pinch salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- ½ cup key lime juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Crush graham crackers in a food processor, then mix with melted butter and press into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then blend in sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks one at a time. Add lime juice and zest, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for another 15-18 minutes until set. Let cool before chilling for 2-4 hours.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
