Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are the perfect sweet treat that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a tart and creamy lime filling. These bars are not only delightful for special occasions like summer picnics or dinner parties, but they also make for an excellent everyday dessert. Their vibrant flavor and easy preparation make them a crowd-pleaser, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make – With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
- Refreshing Flavor – The combination of key lime juice and zest creates a bright, zesty flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile Dessert – Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual weeknight treat, these bars fit right in.
- Easy to Store – They keep well in the fridge for up to five days, so you can enjoy them throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly – The sweet and tangy flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it a hit with everyone.
Tools and Preparation
To make these key lime pie bars successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment helps streamline the process and ensures great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor or rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Quickly turns graham crackers into fine crumbs, saving you time and effort.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes mixing cream cheese smooth and creamy, which is crucial for the filling’s texture.
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 baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a food processor or large Ziploc bag with a rolling pin, crush the graham crackers until fine crumbs form.
Step 3: Mix Crust Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix well until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl with either a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add in the lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Bake Again
Pour the filling over your hot baked crust. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes or until set. The top should not brown. Remove from oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Once chilled, cut into bars and serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night at home, these bars are sure to impress.
Classic Serving
- Serve chilled for the best flavor. The coolness enhances the tartness of the lime filling.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast that complements the tangy filling.
Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Top with slices of fresh lime or berries for added color and freshness. Berries like strawberries or blueberries work beautifully.
Coconut Flakes
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the bars for an extra layer of flavor and texture that pairs well with lime.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the citrusy zing of the key lime pie bars.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
For perfect key lime pie bars, attention to detail is key. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out just right.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh key limes will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to bottled juice.
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Chill thoroughly: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This helps them set properly and enhances their flavor.
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Avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; you want the filling to be set but not browned on top.
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Even crust: Press your graham cracker crust evenly into the pan for consistent texture across each bar.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
To complement your key lime pie bars, consider pairing them with refreshing side dishes that enhance the dessert experience.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
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Coconut Rice: The tropical flavors pair well with lime, creating a cohesive dessert experience.
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Pineapple Salsa: This sweet and tangy salsa adds an exciting twist when served alongside.
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Minted Peas: Lightly seasoned peas with mint provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of dessert.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: These add a savory option that complements rather than competes with dessert flavors.
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Tropical Smoothie: A cold smoothie made with mango, pineapple, and coconut milk offers a delicious drink option that pairs well with key lime pie bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Key Lime Pie Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overbaking the crust: If you bake the graham cracker crust for too long, it may become overly hard. Aim for 10 minutes and keep an eye on it.
- Not using room temperature ingredients: Using cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your filling. Always let it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the bars is essential for the right texture. Be patient and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Using regular limes instead of key limes: For that authentic flavor, opt for key lime juice. Regular lime juice will alter the taste significantly.
- Ignoring measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are spot on.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Key Lime Pie Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
- Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Key Lime Pie Bars that may help you perfect your recipe.
What is the difference between Key Lime Pie Bars and traditional Key Lime Pie?
Key Lime Pie Bars have a similar flavor but are easier to serve and cut into portions, making them more convenient for gatherings.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lime juice, fresh key lime juice offers a superior flavor that enhances your bars’ taste.
How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done baking?
The filling should be set but not brown on top. A gentle shake should show minimal jiggle when they are done baking.
What if I can’t find key limes?
You can substitute with regular limes if needed, but the taste will differ slightly from traditional Key Lime Pie Bars.
Final Thoughts
These Key Lime Pie Bars are a perfect blend of tartness and sweetness, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. You can easily customize them by adding toppings like whipped cream or zesting extra lime on top. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to impress family and friends!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Pie Bars, a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are an effortless treat that can brighten up any gathering or serve as a delightful everyday dessert. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create these creamy lime cheesecake squares that promise to impress family and friends alike. Serve them chilled, topped with whipped cream or fresh berries, for a summer-inspired dessert that’s sure to have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 15 sheets graham crackers
- 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 the 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. Mix with melted butter, sugar, and salt; then press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined.
- Incorporate egg yolks one at a time followed by lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes until set.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
