These Key Lime Pie Bars are a tasty twist on a classic dessert. With a zesty lime flavor and a buttery crust, they are both refreshing and sweet!
Making these bars is super easy! Just mix, bake, and chill. I love enjoying them cold on hot days—a perfect treat for summer vibes! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give the crust a wonderful texture and flavor. If you can’t find them, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work nicely too.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds sweetness and creaminess to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using coconut cream, but keep in mind it will slightly alter the flavor.
Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice really brightens up this dessert. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes will do. Just remember to adjust the sweetness slightly, as key limes can be more tart.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for making the topping light and fluffy. You could substitute with coconut milk or another dairy-free cream if desired, but it may change the texture.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Set Filling?
Getting the filling just right is crucial for these Key Lime Pie Bars. You want it to be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Follow these steps for success:
- Always mix the ingredients until they’re smooth—this ensures an even filling.
- After pouring the filling into the crust, bake until it’s slightly firm around the edges but still has a jiggle in the middle.
- Cooling it at room temp first helps prevent cracks, then chilling it allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up nicely.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed is preferred)
- 3 large egg yolks
- Zest of 1 lime
For The Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lime (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Key Lime Pie Bars recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, and you’ll need an additional 2.5 hours for cooling and chilling. So, just a bit of mixing and baking, and then you get to relax while it’s chilling in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This way, it’ll be so much easier to lift the bars out later!
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Using a fork or your hands, mix it all together until the crumbs are nicely coated and look like wet sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to create an even crust. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Once done, let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest. Keep whisking until everything is well mixed and smooth. This filling is what gives your bars that yummy tart flavor!
4. Bake the Filling:
Pour the filling over your cooled crust and spread it evenly. Now, it’s time to bake again! Place it back in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. The filling should be just set, but don’t worry if it’s still a bit jiggly in the center; it will firm up as it cools.
5. Cool Down:
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about an hour. After that, pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until it’s fully chilled. This waiting time will make your bars nice and refreshing!
6. Whip the Cream:
While waiting for the bars to chill, it’s time to get the whipped cream ready! In a bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together. Mix until you have soft peaks forming. This will be the delicious topping for your bars!
7. Cut and Serve:
Once the bars are chilled and set, carefully lift them out of the baking dish using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut them into squares. Top each square with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with extra lime zest if you’d like. How delightful!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Key Lime Pie Bars chilled and enjoy the burst of citrusy goodness. They’re perfect for sharing (or not!)—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! Regular limes can be used in place of key limes if they’re not available. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit sharper and less sweet. Adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly if you prefer a milder taste.
How to Store Leftover Key Lime Pie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months – just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge before serving!
What Can I Use Instead of Graham Crackers for the Crust?
If you’re looking for a substitute, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies work great! For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour mixed with a bit of sugar and melted butter.
Can I Make These Bars Without Eggs?
Yes, you can make an egg-free version using silken tofu or a commercial egg replacement. Blend about 1/4 cup of silken tofu until smooth and mix it into the filling for the same creamy texture without eggs!
