Key Lime Pie Bars are a delightful treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine biting into a creamy, zesty filling, balanced perfectly with a crunchy graham cracker crust. rich and creamy coconut cake The fresh lime flavor bursts forth like a tropical vacation in your mouth, while the sweetness lingers on your palate, leaving you craving just one more bite. moist and flavorful carrot cake.
Jump to:
- <strong>Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Bars</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What are Key Lime Pie Bars?
- How do you make Key Lime Pie Bars?
- Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
- How should I store Key Lime Pie Bars?
- Conclusion for Key Lime Pie Bars:
- 📖 Recipe Card
These bars bring back fond memories of sunny afternoons spent with family, gathering around the table to savor this classic dessert. Ideal for summer barbecues or cozy evenings indoors, Key Lime Pie Bars are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Get ready for an explosion of flavor and nostalgia that will transport you straight to the beach! For more inspiration, check out this white chocolate strawberry truffles recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Key Lime Pie Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any skill level.
- With a refreshing tartness balanced by sweetness, each bite offers a flavor explosion.
- Their vibrant green color and lovely presentation make them a showstopper at gatherings.
- Versatile enough to enjoy year-round, these bars are the perfect blend of indulgence and refreshment.
Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide the perfect crunchy base for your pie bars; opt for finely crushed crumbs for even texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter holds the crust together beautifully; use high-quality butter for the best taste.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sugar sweetens the crust and balances out the tangy filling; adjust as per your preference.
- Fresh Key Limes: Fresh juice is key! Key limes have a unique tartness that elevates these bars; look for firm, slightly yellow limes.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This rich ingredient gives the filling its creamy texture and sweetness; don’t skimp on quality here!
- Large Eggs: Eggs help set the filling; ensure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper so that it hangs over two sides. This makes removal and cutting easier.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish using your fingers or a flat-bottomed glass. For more inspiration, check out this apple butter cookies recipe.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together fresh key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs. Mix until smooth—feel free to channel your inner scientist here!
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your Key Lime Pie Bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating them for at least two hours. Once chilled, lift out using parchment paper, slice into squares, and enjoy!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy—a delightful finishing touch!
You Must Know
- These delectable Key Lime Pie Bars are the perfect combination of tangy and sweet.
- They’re easy to make, and you can whip them up in no time.
- With their vibrant lime flavor and buttery crust, they’re sure to impress at any gathering.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you mix the crust ingredients. Press the mixture into the pan, bake it until golden, and then whip up that luscious lime filling. Pour it over the crust, bake again, and let it chill for the grand finale.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out key limes for regular limes if that’s what you have on hand. Add a pinch of sea salt for an extra flavor boost or top with whipped cream or toasted coconut for a delightful twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Key Lime Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar individually; when ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor—bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
- Allow bars to chill thoroughly; this helps set the filling perfectly.
- Don’t skip the zest; it adds a bright punch that elevates your dessert!
I once made these Key Lime Pie Bars for a family gathering, only to find them disappearing faster than I could plate them. The kids were asking for seconds while the adults savored every bite—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
FAQs:
What are Key Lime Pie Bars?
Key Lime Pie Bars are a delicious dessert that combines the tangy flavor of key limes with a creamy, sweet filling. These bars sit on a buttery graham cracker crust, making them easy to slice and serve. delicious strawberry shortcake Unlike traditional key lime pie, these bars offer a portable option that’s perfect for potlucks or picnics. They provide the same refreshing taste as the classic dessert but in a convenient bar form.
How do you make Key Lime Pie Bars?
To make Key Lime Pie Bars, start by preparing the crust with crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into a baking dish and bake until golden. For the filling, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and zest. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake again until set. Once cooled, chill in the refrigerator before cutting into squares. Enjoy these delightful treats chilled!
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can use regular limes if key limes are not available. While they will still create a tasty dessert, the flavor may differ slightly. Key limes are smaller and have a more intense tartness compared to regular limes. Using regular limes will yield more juice but may result in a milder flavor profile for your Key Lime Pie Bars.
How should I store Key Lime Pie Bars?
Store your Key Lime Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can last up to five days when properly stored. If you want to freeze them for longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for best results.
Conclusion for Key Lime Pie Bars:
Key Lime Pie Bars are an irresistible treat that brings together zesty flavors and creamy textures on a simple graham cracker crust. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bars will surely impress everyone who tries them. tart and zesty lemon bars Don’t forget to chill them before serving for an extra refreshing experience! Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert with friends and family!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Description
Key Lime Pie Bars are a refreshing dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy lime filling, these bars are both indulgent and easy to make. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, they’re sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. Chill them well for the ultimate refreshing experience!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 5–7 limes)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow it to cool.
- In another bowl, whisk together key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours. Slice into squares and serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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