Key Lime Pie Bars
These Key Lime Pie Bars are the perfect summer treat, offering a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness. Easy to make, they can be enjoyed at picnics, barbecues, or simply as a refreshing dessert at home. With their creamy filling and buttery crust, these bars will impress your friends and family while keeping you cool on hot days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
- Refreshing Flavor: The tartness from the lime juice combined with the creamy filling makes for an irresistible dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer party or a casual family dinner, these bars are a crowd-pleaser.
- Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a cool treat whenever you crave something sweet.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain or topped with whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these tasty Key Lime Pie Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Ideal for crushing the vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs for the crust.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk smoothly.
Ingredients
These perfectly tart and tangy key lime pie bars are a breeze to make and are delicious served straight from the fridge on a hot summer day!
For the Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely ground (250 g)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon lime zest, packed (6-7 key limes)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 22 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can and ¾ cup from 2nd can)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
For the Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a food processor, pulse the vanilla wafer cookies until finely ground.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with melted butter and light brown sugar. Mix well until crumbly.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of your greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, lime zest, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice. Mix until well combined.
- Pour this mixture over the crust in your baking dish.
Step 4: Bake
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until set.
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Step 6: Whip Cream Topping
- In a mixing bowl, whip together the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread or pipe this whipped cream over chilled key lime pie bars just before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Key Lime Pie Bars, perfect for any summer gathering!
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a delightful treat, especially during warm weather. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and appeal.
Chilled with Whipped Cream
- Serve your key lime pie bars straight from the fridge topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra creaminess.
Garnished with Lime Slices
- Add thin slices of fresh lime on top of each bar for a vibrant presentation and an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Accompanied by Fresh Berries
- Pair these bars with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to provide a sweet contrast that complements the tartness.
With Coconut Flakes
- Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top for added texture and a hint of tropical flavor that works beautifully with key lime.
Served with Ice Cream
- Offer a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream alongside the bars for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
To ensure your key lime pie bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice delivers the best flavor. Avoid bottled juice for optimal tartness.
- Chill Before Serving: Let your bars chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving. This helps them set properly and enhances the flavors.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your baking time. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture; they should be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven.
- Whip Cream Properly: When making whipped cream, whip until soft peaks form. This ensures it holds its shape when served on top of the bars.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar in the crust or filling based on your personal taste preferences. A little less sugar can balance the tartness nicely.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality sweetened condensed milk and fresh eggs make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
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:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and natural sweetness that complements the tangy bars.
- Minted Cucumber Salad: The coolness of cucumbers paired with mint offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of key lime.
- Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as goat cheese or brie, balances the sweetness and tartness beautifully.
- Tropical Salsa: A mango or pineapple salsa brings tropical vibes to your dessert table, enhancing the overall theme.
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Sweet and salty pretzels dipped in chocolate provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with creamy bars.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats echo the tropical notes in key lime pie bars, making them an ideal pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making key lime pie bars can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Incorrect cookie choice: Using cookies that aren’t vanilla wafers can change the flavor and texture. Stick to vanilla wafers for the best crust.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking requires precision. Always measure your ingredients carefully for consistent results.
- Skipping the key lime zest: The zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; ensure you pack it well when measuring.
- Overbaking the filling: Baking too long can lead to a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on them, as they should be slightly jiggly in the center when done.
- Neglecting to chill: Serving them warm can affect taste and texture. Chill your bars for at least two hours before serving for optimal flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store key lime pie bars in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for about 30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making key lime pie bars:
What are Key Lime Pie Bars?
Key lime pie bars are a dessert that features a tangy lime filling set atop a crumbly crust made from vanilla wafer cookies.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While bottled lime juice is convenient, using freshly squeezed lime juice gives your key lime pie bars a brighter flavor.
How do I make my Key Lime Pie Bars more tart?
To increase tartness, add more lime juice or zest. Taste as you go to achieve your desired tanginess.
Can I customize Key Lime Pie Bars?
Absolutely! You can mix in coconut flakes or top with meringue for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
These key lime pie bars offer a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, making them perfect for hot summer days or any occasion. Feel free to customize them with toppings or flavors you love! Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 16 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the tangy goodness of Key Lime Pie Bars, the ultimate summer dessert that combines a creamy filling with a buttery crust. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a sweet treat at home, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress. With only 25 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy this delightful balance of tartness and sweetness in no time. Serve them chilled for a refreshing experience that’s ideal for warm weather. Whether topped with whipped cream or paired with fresh berries, these bars are a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 5 large egg yolks
- 22 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush the vanilla wafer cookies in a food processor until fine.
- Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar; press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Whisk together egg yolks, lime zest, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth; stir in lime juice and pour over crust.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until set, then cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least two hours.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form; top chilled bars just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
