Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a tart and creamy lime filling. These delightful treats are easy to make and are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something sweet, these key lime pie bars will satisfy your taste buds and brighten your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tangy key lime juice and creamy filling creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home; these bars fit any occasion.
• Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and chill; they’re ready when you are!
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their vibrant flavor and appealing presentation, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

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: Makes crushing graham crackers quick and easy.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Ensures that your cream cheese is smooth and free of lumps.

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 it easier to remove the bars later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a food processor or large Ziploc bag with a rolling pin, crush the graham crackers until fine crumbs form.

Step 3: Mix the Crust Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix until everything is well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While the crust is baking, beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs & Flavorings

Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended.

Step 6: Bake Again

Pour the filling over your hot baked crust. Return it to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until set—make sure not to let it brown on top.

Step 7: Chill & Serve

Remove from oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Once chilled, cut into bars and enjoy! Store any 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 it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration, these bars can be served to enhance your dessert experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and texture.

Garnished with Lime Slices

• Add a thin slice of lime on top of each bar for a vibrant and zesty touch.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Serve with fresh strawberries or blueberries on the side for a burst of color and flavor.

Paired with Coconut Flakes

• Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the bars for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can create a tasty contrast to the tartness of the lime filling.

Served Chilled

• For the best taste, serve these bars chilled straight from the refrigerator, enhancing their refreshing qualities.

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How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars

To make your key lime pie bars truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh key limes instead of bottled juice will provide a more robust flavor.

• Chill Properly: Allowing the bars to chill for at least 2-4 hours ensures they set properly and enhances their flavor.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to a dry filling. It should be just set but not browned.

• Add More Zest: For an extra zing, feel free to add more lime zest than the recipe calls for. It enhances both aroma and taste.

• Choose Quality Graham Crackers: Opt for high-quality graham crackers for the crust to achieve that perfect buttery base.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars

Complementing your key lime pie bars with delicious side dishes can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness that balances the tartness of the bars.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a creamy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the tangy flavors.

3. Crème Fraîche: A dollop of crème fraîche brings richness and acidity, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

4. Meringue Cookies: Light and airy meringue cookies offer a sweet crunch that complements the creamy filling perfectly.

5. Chocolate Chip Cookies: The classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies add variety and appeal, especially for cookie lovers.

6. Cheesecake Bites: Small cheesecake bites provide an indulgent option alongside key lime bars, offering another creamy dessert choice.

7. Coconut Macaroons: These sweet coconut treats add texture and sweetness, balancing out the tartness beautifully.

8. Mini Fruit Tarts: Bite-sized fruit tarts bring color and creativity to your dessert table while complementing key lime pie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making key lime pie bars, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of for a delicious outcome.

• Using stale graham crackers: Fresh graham crackers yield a better crust. Check the expiration date before use.
• Overmixing the filling: Mixing too much can incorporate air, leading to cracks. Mix just until combined for a smooth texture.
• Not chilling adequately: Skipping the chill time results in a gooey filling. Always chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An oven that is too hot can brown the top. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Cutting bars too soon: Cutting before they set can make a mess. Wait until they are fully chilled for clean slices.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store key lime pie bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in short bursts (10-15 seconds) until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions readers often have about key lime pie bars.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, regular limes can be used if key limes are unavailable. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I make gluten-free key lime pie bars?

Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour as a base for the crust. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

What’s the best way to garnish key lime pie bars?

A dollop of whipped cream and lime zest adds color and flavor. You might also consider fresh berries for added sweetness.

How do I know when my key lime pie bars are done baking?

They should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

Key lime pie bars offer a delightful mix of tangy and sweet flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize your bars with different toppings or mix-ins like coconut or meringue. Try this easy dessert recipe today!