Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

Key Lime Pie Bars are a sweet, tangy, and refreshing dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. These easy-to-make bars have a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy key lime filling, and just the right balance of tartness and sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will become your go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, or a treat to enjoy at home. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to create these irresistible bars, as well as tips, tricks, and variations to make them your own.

What are Key Lime Pie Bars?

Key Lime Pie Bars are a simplified version of the classic key lime pie, turned into easy-to-serve squares. Originating from the southern United States, particularly Florida where key limes grow, this dessert is known for its zesty lime flavor. The bars feature a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with a creamy, sweet, and tangy filling made from key lime juice, egg yolks, and condensed milk. They're chilled to set, and each bite offers a refreshing and delicious contrast between the rich filling and the crisp crust.

Ingredients List for Key Lime Pie Bars

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these mouthwatering key lime pie bars. Here's a list of the ingredients required for the crust and the filling:

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs – Crush the graham crackers finely or buy pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs.
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar – This adds a hint of sweetness to the crust.
• ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted – The melted butter binds the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.

Key Lime Filling:

• 4 large egg yolks – The egg yolks provide structure and richness to the filling.
• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk – This sweetens and thickens the filling.
• ½ cup of key lime juice – Freshly squeezed key lime juice gives the bars their signature tartness. You can use regular lime juice if key limes are not available.
• 1 tablespoon of key lime zest – For added lime flavor and a burst of freshness.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Graham Crackers: If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, you can substitute them with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed gingersnap cookies for a spiced twist.
• Key Lime Juice: Fresh key lime juice is preferred, but bottled key lime juice can be used in a pinch. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes work just as well, though the flavor will be slightly less intense.
• Crust: For a gluten-free option, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free cookies.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the condensed milk with a coconut milk-based condensed milk for a dairy-free version of the bars.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make these easy key lime pie bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of melted butter. Mix the ingredients well until all the graham cracker crumbs are coated with butter and the mixture holds together when pressed.

Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan

Pour the crust mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, firmly press the crumb mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish to form the crust. Make sure it is well-compacted to create a sturdy base for the filling. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until it is golden and slightly firm. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Key Lime Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 egg yolks until they are pale and thick. Add in the 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk and continue to whisk until fully incorporated and smooth. Finally, stir in the ½ cup of key lime juice and 1 tablespoon of key lime zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Pour the Filling Over the Crust

Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the prepared key lime filling over the top of the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the filling reaches all the corners of the dish.

Step 6: Bake the Key Lime Bars

Place the baking dish back into the oven and bake the bars for 15-20 minutes. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the filling to crack.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Remove the key lime pie bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After cooling, transfer the bars to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until they are fully set.

How to Cook Key Lime Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making key lime pie bars is a simple and straightforward process, but attention to detail can make a big difference. Here’s a concise step-by-step breakdown:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking dish.
2. Make the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter, then pressing it into the pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to ensure it’s firm and golden.
4. Prepare the filling by whisking egg yolks, condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest.
5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake until set.
6. Cool and chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Following these steps will ensure your key lime pie bars come out perfectly every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overbaking the Filling: The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven. Overbaking can cause the filling to crack and lose its creamy texture.
• Using Regular Limes: While regular limes can be used in place of key limes, the flavor won't be quite the same. If possible, try to use key lime juice for an authentic taste.
• Not Chilling Long Enough: Chilling the bars for at least 2 hours is crucial to ensure they firm up properly and are easy to cut.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving desserts, and key lime pie bars are no exception. Here’s how you can elevate your serving game:

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

• Chilled: These bars are best served chilled. Be sure to refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
• Cut into Small Squares: For a neat and professional look, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares. Wipe the knife between each cut for clean edges.

Presentation Ideas for Key Lime Pie Bars

• Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each bar before serving.
• Lime Zest Garnish: Sprinkle a little extra lime zest on top for a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: Key lime pie bars pair beautifully with fresh berries, especially raspberries or strawberries.

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh key lime juice makes a world of difference in the flavor of the bars. Avoid bottled lime juice if possible.
• Double the Recipe: If you're serving a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13 inch pan.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for parties or events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular limes for key limes, though the flavor will be slightly less tart and tangy.

Q: How long can I store key lime pie bars?
A: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze key lime pie bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just replace the graham crackers with a gluten-free alternative.

Conclusion

Easy key lime pie bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy, all in one simple-to-make dessert. Whether you're serving them at a summer BBQ or enjoying them as a mid-week treat, this recipe is sure to impress. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious key lime filling, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up with minimal effort. Follow the tips and tricks in this guide to make sure your key lime pie bars turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy!

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