Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, tart lime filling. These bars are not only simple to prepare but also make for an excellent treat for any occasion—be it a summer picnic, family gathering, or potluck. Their unique balance of sweetness and tanginess makes them a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these key lime pie bars in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of zesty key lime juice and creamy filling creates a refreshing dessert experience.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, barbecues, or just because—you can enjoy these bars year-round!
- Easy to Store: These bars can be kept in the fridge for up to five days, making them great for meal prep or leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 servings per batch, these bars are sure to impress your friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
To make these key lime pie bars successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure fantastic results.
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: Great for quickly crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs without mess.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily while preventing spills.
- Stand mixer: Provides consistent mixing for smooth cream cheese and 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 your 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a food processor or large Ziploc bag with a rolling pin, crush the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbs with sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese using a hand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add in the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until combined.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is mixed well before adding the next.
- Stir in lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Bake Again
- Pour the creamy filling over the hot crust from step two. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-18 minutes or until set—avoid browning on top.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Once baked, remove from oven and allow it to cool before chilling in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. Once chilled, cut into bars and serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five 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 gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that complements the tartness of the lime.
Garnished with Lime Zest
- Sprinkle some additional lime zest over the top before serving to enhance the citrus flavor and add a vibrant color.
Paired with Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The sweetness of the berries contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the key lime filling.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream adds a delightful creaminess that balances the tangy flavors in the bars.
Served with Coconut Flakes
- For a tropical twist, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top. This adds a crunchy texture and enhances the dessert’s flavor profile.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can provide an unexpected but delicious contrast to the tangy lime filling.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
To make sure your key lime pie bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Key Limes: Whenever possible, opt for fresh key limes instead of bottled juice for maximum flavor and freshness.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix your filling just until combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks in your dessert.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow your bars to chill for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This ensures they set properly and enhances flavor.
- Check Doneness Carefully: Bake until just set; overbaking can cause them to dry out and lose their creamy texture.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter and cream cheese make a significant difference in taste, so choose wisely!
- Line Your Pan Well: Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line your pan. This makes it easier to lift out the bars and cut them neatly.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
Pairing side dishes with key lime pie bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the tartness of the bars and provide a refreshing contrast.
- Coconut Macaroons: These sweet treats complement key lime pie bars wonderfully with their chewy texture and coconut flavor.
- Grilled Pineapple Slices: The caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple pairs nicely with the tartness of key lime.
- Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet offers a light, refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
- Minted Yogurt Dip: A cool yogurt dip infused with mint can add an interesting flavor dimension when served alongside.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch provides a nice textural contrast and balances sweetness.
- Almond Biscotti: These crunchy cookies are perfect for dipping into coffee or tea while enjoying your dessert.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes provide another creamy option that complements key lime pie bars without overpowering them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Key Lime Pie Bars can be simple, but common mistakes may spoil your efforts. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the chilling time: Chilling is crucial for setting the bars properly. Don’t rush this step; allow them to cool in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours.
- Not measuring accurately: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors and textures. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for best results.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling, so remove them from the oven as soon as they are set.
- Using regular limes instead of key limes: While you can substitute, using key limes gives you that authentic flavor. If possible, opt for fresh key lime juice for a more vibrant taste.
- Neglecting the crust: A well-pressed graham cracker crust is essential. Take time to press it evenly into the pan to create a solid base for your bars.
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 bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes until slightly warmed.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Key Lime Pie Bars that can help you master this delicious dessert.
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Yes, while you can use regular lime juice as a substitute, using key lime juice enhances the flavor and authenticity of your bars.
How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are set but still slightly jiggly in the center. They should not have browned on top.
Can I customize my Key Lime Pie Bars?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruit. Experimenting with different flavors is fun!
What can I serve with Key Lime Pie Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added delight.
Final Thoughts
These Key Lime Pie Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly refreshing and delicious. Their creamy texture combined with tangy lime makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with various toppings or flavors to suit your taste!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the bliss of Key Lime Pie Bars, a perfect blend of tangy lime and creamy sweetness atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are quick to make and ideal for any gathering or just a simple treat at home. With their refreshing flavor and delightful texture, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy them chilled, topped with whipped cream or fresh berries, for an irresistible dessert that brings a taste of summer to your table year-round.
Ingredients
- 15 sheets graham crackers (or 30 squares)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 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 the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with foil or parchment for easy removal.
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with sugar and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, then egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in lime zest, juice, and vanilla.
- Pour filling over the crust and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes until set but not browned.
- Cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. Cut into bars and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
