Key Lime Pie Bars
These Key Lime Pie Bars are not only a delightful treat but also incredibly easy to whip up. Their bright, tangy flavor makes them perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. With a buttery crust and creamy lime filling, these bars strike the right balance between sweet and tart, leaving your taste buds wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These key lime pie bars can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making them an ideal dessert for busy days.
- Perfectly Tangy: The combination of fresh lime juice and zest delivers a refreshing burst of flavor that’s sure to impress.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these bars chilled, topped with whipped cream, or even mixed into your favorite summer dishes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their unique taste and vibrant color, they’re sure to be the star of any gathering or event.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, you won’t have to hunt for specialty items.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious Key Lime Pie Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool makes grinding the vanilla wafer cookies effortless, ensuring a fine crumb for the crust.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare different components without mixing flavors prematurely.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for blending the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk smoothly.
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 a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a food processor, blend the vanilla wafer cookies until finely ground.
- Combine the ground cookies with melted butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks until they are light in color.
- Gradually add sweetened condensed milk while whisking continuously until smooth.
- Stir in lime zest and freshly squeezed lime juice until well combined.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until set.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool completely before refrigerating them for at least two hours. Once chilled, whip up heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Serve dollops of whipped cream on top of each bar before enjoying!
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a refreshing treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving them with complementary flavors and textures enhances the experience, making your dessert even more delightful.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the tartness of the bars.
Topped with Lime Zest
- A sprinkle of fresh lime zest on top of each bar enhances the citrus flavor and gives a pop of color.
Served with Fresh Berries
- Pair these bars with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness and natural sweetness.
Accompanied by Coconut Flakes
- Toasted coconut flakes provide a crunchy texture that complements the smooth filling of the bars.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an unexpected twist and rich flavor that pairs surprisingly well with key lime.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
To achieve the best key lime pie bars, follow these helpful tips for a delicious result every time.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime juice and zest will give your bars the best flavor. Avoid bottled juice whenever possible.
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Chill Thoroughly: Let your bars cool in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps them set properly for clean cuts.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air which can affect texture.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste your filling before baking and adjust sugar levels if needed, depending on your tartness preference.
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Use a Sharp Knife: For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut through the chilled bars smoothly.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
Pairing side dishes with key lime pie bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
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Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits enhances the lightness of the dessert while adding vibrant colors. -
Coconut Sorbet
This cold treat complements the tropical flavors and offers a refreshing palate cleanser. -
Grilled Pineapple
The caramelized sweetness from grilling adds depth and pairs wonderfully with tangy key lime. -
Minted Yogurt Dip
A cool yogurt dip infused with mint offers a creamy contrast to the tartness of the bars. -
Mango Salsa
The sweet and spicy notes in mango salsa can create an exciting flavor combination alongside key lime pie bars. -
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
The salty crunch balances out the sweetness and tanginess, making for an enjoyable bite alongside your dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making key lime pie bars is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Overbaking the Bars: Baking for too long can lead to dry key lime pie bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re just set!
- Not Using Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice lacks the fresh flavor that makes these bars special. Always opt for freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste.
- Skipping the Chilling Time: Patience is key! Skipping the chilling time will result in a less firm texture. Allow your bars to chill thoroughly before serving.
- Ignoring the Zest: Lime zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it! Use fresh zest from key limes for a bright, zesty kick.
- Using Low-Fat Ingredients: While tempting, using low-fat versions can affect texture and taste. For best results, stick with full-fat ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your key lime pie bars in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
- Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars for about 10 minutes until slightly softened.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for 15-20 seconds until just warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to retain moisture. Heat gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making key lime pie bars, you’re not alone. Here are some frequently asked questions answered.
How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done?
Your bars should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center when done. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, you can use regular limes, but key limes provide a unique flavor profile that makes these bars special.
How do I make Key Lime Pie Bars sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter bars, add more sugar to the filling mixture or serve with sweetened whipped cream on top.
What’s the best way to serve Key Lime Pie Bars?
Serve chilled directly from the fridge with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for added flair!
Final Thoughts
These key lime pie bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them by adding toppings like toasted coconut or fresh berries. Whether it’s a summer gathering or just a cozy night in, these bars promise satisfaction with every bite. Don’t hesitate—try making them today!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Pie Bars, a perfect summer treat that combines a buttery crust with a tangy lime filling. These bars are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, balancing sweetness and tartness in every bite. With just 25 minutes of preparation time, you can create a crowd-pleasing dessert ideal for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying at home. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely ground
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime zest, packed
- 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a food processor, blend the vanilla wafer cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and brown sugar in a bowl, then press firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light in color. Gradually stir in the sweetened condensed milk, followed by lime zest and fresh lime juice until well combined.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for about 30 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool completely before refrigerating for at least two hours. Top with whipped cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
