Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of a buttery graham cracker crust with a zesty and creamy lime filling. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and offer a refreshing burst of flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving something sweet, key lime pie bars provide the ideal treat with their balance of tartness and sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Refreshing Flavor: The zesty key lime juice provides a bright, tangy flavor that’s perfect for warm days.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy family dessert night.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their unique taste and appealing presentation, these bars are sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
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: Quickly crushes graham crackers into fine crumbs, saving you time.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly for the best texture.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: Ensures your cream cheese is perfectly blended for a smooth 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 a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring it’s ready for the crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a food processor or large Ziploc bag with a rolling pin:
1. Crush the graham crackers until fine crumbs form.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter.
3. Mix well until combined.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan.
5. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the crust is baking:
1. In another large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until well combined.
3. Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
Step 4: Combine and Bake Again
- Pour the filling over your hot baked crust.
- Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes or until set; avoid browning on top.
- Remove from oven and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2–4 hours before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Cut into squares and serve chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Enjoy your delicious homemade key lime pie bars!
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 party or simply indulging at home, these bars offer versatility that enhances any occasion.
Chill and Garnish
- Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added creaminess and sweetness.
- Lime Zest: Sprinkle extra lime zest on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Pair with Beverages
- Iced Tea: Serve with a refreshing glass of iced tea to balance the tartness of the bars.
- Sparkling Water: A fizzy drink can elevate the dessert experience without adding sweetness.
Serve with Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Complement the bars with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add texture and enhance the tropical vibe.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Mixed Desserts: Place key lime pie bars alongside brownies or chocolate chip cookies for a diverse dessert platter that caters to all tastes.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
To achieve the ultimate key lime pie bars, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice offers a more vibrant flavor than bottled alternatives.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the filling light and fluffy; overmixing can make it dense.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow ample chilling time before serving to ensure the bars set properly, making them easier to cut.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing cream cheese and eggs to room temperature helps create a smoother filling with fewer lumps.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; remove from the oven when just set to prevent browning on top.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars pair beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some great suggestions to complement your dessert:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the tartness of the bars.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats bring in another layer of sweetness and texture that pairs well with key lime flavors.
- Chocolate Mousse: The rich, creamy chocolate provides a decadent contrast to the citrusy dessert.
- Pineapple Salsa: This sweet and tangy salsa can serve as an unexpected topping that enhances the tropical feel.
- Minted Yogurt Dip: A cool mint yogurt dip can refresh your palate between bites of tartness from the key lime pie bars.
- Ginger Snap Cookies: Their spiced crunch pairs nicely with the creamy sweetness of the pie bars, creating an enjoyable textural contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making key lime pie bars can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best results. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using stale graham crackers: Always check the freshness of your graham crackers. Stale ones can make your crust soggy and unappealing.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key! Use proper measuring tools to ensure the right balance of flavors in your filling.
- Overbaking the filling: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overcooked filling can lead to a rubbery texture instead of a creamy finish.
- Skipping the chilling time: Patience pays off! Chilling your key lime pie bars allows them to set properly, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Ignoring lime juice quality: Freshly squeezed lime juice offers a brighter flavor than bottled alternatives. Always opt for fresh when possible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store key lime pie bars in an airtight container.
- They will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- These can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes for best results.
- Microwave: Heat on medium for about 15-20 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about key lime pie bars:
How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done?
When they are set but still slightly jiggly in the center, they are ready. The top should not brown.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can use regular limes if key limes are unavailable. The flavor may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What can I serve with Key Lime Pie Bars?
These bars pair well with whipped cream or fresh fruit like berries. They add a delightful contrast and enhance the dessert’s appeal.
How should I cut my Key Lime Pie Bars?
Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water helps achieve clean cuts. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat slices.
Final Thoughts
Key lime pie bars are not only delightful but also versatile enough to please any palate. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these bars bring joy and satisfaction to every bite. Try making them today!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy, zesty flavors with these Key Lime Pie Bars. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy lime filling, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests. A refreshing burst of key lime flavor awaits in every bite!
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Combine crumbs with sugar, salt, and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks one at a time. Stir in lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and return it to the oven for 15-18 minutes until set but not browned.
- Chill in the fridge for 2–4 hours before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
