Key Lime Pie Bars
These Key Lime Pie Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance tartness and sweetness. They are easy to prepare, making them an ideal dessert for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying on a warm day. The creamy filling paired with a buttery crust creates a refreshing experience for your taste buds. These bars are not only delicious but also provide a beautiful presentation for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These key lime pie bars come together in just 55 minutes, allowing you to whip up a tasty dessert without much fuss.
- Refreshing Flavor: The bright and zesty lime flavor is perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave something sweet and tangy.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge or topped with whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, these bars are sure to impress your guests.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these bars in advance, making them a convenient option for busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious key lime pie bars, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Zester or grater
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for baking your key lime pie bars evenly and achieving that perfect texture.
- Electric mixer: While optional, using an electric mixer makes whipping the heavy cream easier and helps achieve a fluffy texture quickly.
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: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and light brown sugar until well mixed.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together lime zest, egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and freshly squeezed lime juice until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the cooled crust in your baking dish.
Step 5: Bake Again
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
Step 6: Make Whipped Cream Topping
- In another mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Once cooled completely, cut your key lime pie bars into squares and top each square with whipped cream before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Key Lime Pie Bars!
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a refreshing treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply indulging after dinner, these bars are sure to please.
Chilled and Topped with Whipped Cream
- Serve each bar chilled and add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast to the tangy lime flavor.
Garnished with Lime Zest
- Sprinkle some additional lime zest over the bars just before serving. This adds a burst of color and enhances the citrusy aroma.
Paired with Fresh Berries
- Serve key lime pie bars alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The sweetness of the berries complements the tartness of the bars perfectly.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream can elevate your dessert experience. The cold ice cream balances the tart flavors beautifully.
Served on a Dessert Platter
- For gatherings, arrange the key lime pie bars on a colorful dessert platter. Add some mint leaves for decoration, making it visually appealing.
With a Splash of Coconut Flavored Liqueur
- For an adult twist, drizzle some coconut flavored liqueur over the bars before serving. It adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs well with lime.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
To ensure your key lime pie bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use fresh key limes – Freshly squeezed juice provides the best flavor. If you can’t find key limes, regular limes are a good substitute.
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Don’t overmix – When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air. This keeps your filling dense and creamy.
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Chill thoroughly – After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps them set properly and enhances their flavor.
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Cut after chilling – For cleaner cuts, wait until the bars are fully chilled in the fridge before slicing. Use a sharp knife for neat edges.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
These key lime pie bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes to enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and freshness that complements the tartness of the bars.
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Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats offer a delightful texture contrast and a hint of tropical flavor that pairs well with key lime.
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Pineapple Salsa – A zesty pineapple salsa brings an extra layer of tropical flair and sweetness that balances the tartness of the dessert.
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Mango Sorbet – Light and refreshing, mango sorbet serves as a delicious palate cleanser between bites of key lime pie bars.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – The rich chocolate offers a decadent contrast to the citrus flavors in your dessert.
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Tropical Smoothie – A smoothie made from bananas, pineapples, and coconut milk would make for a refreshing drink option alongside your dessert.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea – These classic beverages provide cooling refreshment that pairs nicely with sweet and tangy desserts like key lime pie bars.
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Grilled Peaches – Caramelized grilled peaches add warmth and sweetness that can be a delightful contrast when served next to chilled key lime pie bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Key Lime Pie Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overbaking the Bars: Baking for too long can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven as soon as they are set.
- Using Bottled Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is key to achieving the right flavor. Always use freshly squeezed juice for the best results.
- Not Chilling Enough: Skipping the chill time can affect the texture and flavors. Allow the bars to cool completely in the fridge before serving.
- Ignoring Sweetness Balance: The sweetness from condensed milk can overpower. Taste your filling before baking, and adjust lime juice if necessary.
- Incorrect Measuring of Ingredients: Precise measurements matter. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly to ensure balance in flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
- Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Key Lime Pie Bars.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can substitute regular limes, but key limes offer a unique tartness that defines these bars.
How do I make my Key Lime Pie Bars more tart?
Increase the amount of lime juice slightly or add more lime zest for extra zing.
Can I use gluten-free cookies for the crust?
Absolutely! Gluten-free cookie options work well for those with dietary restrictions.
What toppings pair well with Key Lime Pie Bars?
Whipped cream, toasted coconut, or fresh berries complement these bars beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Key Lime Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or even adjust the lime flavor to suit your preferences. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion, give this recipe a try and enjoy its refreshing taste!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Key Lime Pie Bars are a refreshing and delightful dessert that captures the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. With a creamy filling made from freshly squeezed key limes and a buttery vanilla wafer crust, these bars are easy to prepare and ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying on a warm day. The vibrant citrus flavor combined with a velvety texture makes them an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether served chilled straight from the fridge or topped with whipped cream, they promise to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for something sweet yet tangy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely ground
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and light brown sugar until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- In another bowl, whisk together lime zest, egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and freshly squeezed lime juice until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust in your baking dish.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
- In another mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Once cooled completely, cut your key lime pie bars into squares and top each square with whipped cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
