Welcome to your new favorite dessert recipe: Key Lime Pie Bars! If you love the tangy zest of key limes combined with a buttery graham cracker crust, then you’re in for a treat. These bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a refreshing dessert that is ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special event, or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, Key Lime Pie Bars are a fantastic choice. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your gathering without being stuck in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to desserts, Key Lime Pie Bars stand out for several reasons. Firstly, the flavor! The combination of freshly squeezed key lime juice and zest creates a bright, citrusy flavor that dances on your taste buds. This dessert is perfect for those who enjoy a little zing in their sweets. Secondly, these bars are visually appealing, with their vibrant green filling and a dollop of fluffy whipped cream on top. They are great for gatherings, as they can be cut into squares and served easily.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. The crust is made from just three ingredients graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter while the filling comes together in one bowl with minimal effort. There’s no need for elaborate baking techniques, making this a perfect recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The bars can be prepared in under an hour (plus chilling time), making them a quick and satisfying dessert option.
Lastly, Key Lime Pie Bars are versatile! You can customize the recipe by adding toppings like fresh fruit, coconut flakes, or even a drizzle of chocolate for an extra special touch. With these bars, the possibilities are endless. You’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your guests and leave them asking for the recipe, then Key Lime Pie Bars are the answer. Not only do they taste incredible, but they also bring a touch of summer to any table, regardless of the season. The refreshing flavors are perfect for warm weather, but their creamy texture makes them enjoyable year-round.
Moreover, these bars are an excellent alternative to traditional key lime pie. With a thicker crust and a more manageable serving size, they are ideal for parties and potlucks. You can easily transport them, and their individual squares make serving a breeze. The combination of sweet and tart will excite your palate and provide a delightful contrast to richer desserts.
Health-conscious bakers will also appreciate that this recipe uses simple, recognizable ingredients. While they are undeniably indulgent, you can feel good about serving a dessert that doesn’t rely on artificial flavors or preservatives. Plus, with a focus on using fresh key lime juice, you’ll be getting a boost of Vitamin C along with your sweet fix!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- For the Topping:
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Lime slices (for garnish)
Recommended Tools or Utensils for Recipe Success
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Refrigerator for chilling
Gathering all your ingredients and tools beforehand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable. Don’t forget to preheat your oven to ensure that your crust bakes evenly!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust will bake perfectly and your filling will set just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, making sure it’s even. Bake for about 10 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and lime zest until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps and everything is well incorporated. Pour this luscious filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the filling to be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This means you’ll get that creamy texture that’s signature to key lime pie. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
Step 5: Chill
After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set. This step is crucial as it helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up.
Step 6: Serve
Once chilled, cut the bars into squares. Serve them topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a slice of lime for garnish. Enjoy your refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars!
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can use regular limes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Key limes are more aromatic and have a unique tartness that is hard to replicate.
How do I store Key Lime Pie Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for up to a week.
Can I freeze Key Lime Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
You can make your own sweetened condensed milk using milk and sugar, or you can use dairy-free substitutes if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add a splash of coconut milk or a hint of vanilla for a twist on the classic flavor.
Conclusion
In summary, Key Lime Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the refreshing taste of key limes with a buttery crust. They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share it with your friends and family. If you enjoyed this recipe, please comment below, share it on social media, or try one of our other delicious recipes like Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread or Creamy Garlic Tomato Soup. Happy baking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Pinterest page: Ovia Recipes on Pinterest.
Key Lime Pie Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Pan
- Whisk
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup Key lime juice Freshly squeezed preferred
- 14 ounces Sweetened condensed milk
- 3 Large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Lime zest
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and lime zest until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the lime filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled, topped with whipped cream and garnished with lime slices.
