Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Key Lime Pie Bars are a refreshing twist on the classic dessert, combining a tangy lime filling with a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, they make the perfect sweet and tart treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full crackers, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ¾ cups sweetened condensed milk (about 1 1/2 cans, or 21 ounces)
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lime zest (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oven to 300°F. Line an 8x8x2-inch square baking pan with foil.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Press it gently and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and set. Let it cool completely.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of lime zest until well combined. Pour the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Step 4: Bake the filling at 300°F for 30 to 40 minutes. The filling should be slightly jiggly but mostly set in the center. Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let it cool completely, about 2 hours.
- Step 5: Prepare the topping by beating heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled bars. Garnish with lime zest if desired.
- Step 6: Cover and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing. Use the foil to lift the bars from the pan for easy slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense lime flavor, increase the lime zest in the filling and topping.
- To add a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top of the whipped cream.
- If you can’t find key limes, regular fresh lime juice works well as a substitute.
- Make sure the crust is completely cool before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Storage
Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed chilled, and if needed, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Yes, regular lime juice can be used if key limes aren’t available. The flavor will be slightly less tart but still delicious.
How do I prevent the filling from cracking while baking?
Bake the filling at a low temperature (300°F) and remove it while it’s still a bit jiggly in the center. This gentle baking helps avoid cracks and keeps the filling smooth.
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Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a tangy and creamy key lime filling. Finished with a fluffy whipped cream topping and a hint of lime zest, these bars are a perfect blend of sweet and tart that’s ideal for any occasion. Easy to prepare and chilled to set, they offer all the delicious flavors of classic key lime pie in convenient handheld portions.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full crackers, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1 ¾ cups sweetened condensed milk (about 1 ½ cans or 21 ounces)
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 cup key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
For the Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lime zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8x8x2-inch square baking pan with foil for easy removal later. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly and gently into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this filling evenly over the cooled crust, spreading gently to cover the surface.
- Bake the Filling: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 300°F for 30 to 40 minutes. The filling should still be slightly jiggly but the center will be just set when done. Once baked, transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let it cool completely for about 2 hours.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: In a medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This will give the topping a light and fluffy texture.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the fully cooled key lime filling. Sprinkle with additional lime zest if desired for garnish. Cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the bars to firm up.
- Serve and Store: Use the foil edges to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice for the most authentic and vibrant flavor.
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting or mixing.
- Do not overbake the filling; it should remain slightly jiggly to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- The whipped cream topping can be prepared just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
- Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; for best taste, consume within this timeframe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Key Lime Pie Bars, key lime dessert, graham cracker crust, creamy lime bars, summer dessert, no-bake pie bars, easy lime bars
