Key lime pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, tangy lime filling. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Their refreshing flavor and easy-to-make nature make them an ideal dessert choice that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up these key lime pie bars in no time.
Delicious Flavor: The balance of tartness from the lime and sweetness from the condensed milk creates an irresistible taste.
Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are great for parties or potlucks, making them easy to serve and share.
Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them as is, or top with whipped cream or fresh fruit for added flair.
Make Ahead Option: These key lime pie bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, so they’re ready when you need them.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious key lime pie bars, you will need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process easier and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
9×9-inch baking pan
Aluminum foil or parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: Quickly crushes graham crackers into fine crumbs for the crust.
Hand mixer: Ensures that the cream cheese is blended smoothly with other ingredients.
Baking pan: A 9×9-inch pan provides the perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.

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 your 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Use a food processor or place graham crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush until fine crumbs form.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed crumbs with sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix well.
Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your lined baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until slightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl using either a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add in sweetened condensed milk gradually while mixing until combined.
Incorporate each egg yolk one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in lime zest, key lime juice, and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Bake Again

Pour this creamy filling over your baked crust.
Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes or until set without browning on top.
Once done, remove from oven and let cool before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 5: Serve Your Bars

After chilling your key lime pie bars for at least 2 hours, cut into squares and serve chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Enjoy!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to elevate your dessert experience. Whether for a casual gathering or a special occasion, these serving suggestions will help you impress your guests.

Chill with Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each bar for a light and airy touch. The creaminess complements the tartness beautifully.

Garnish with Lime Slices

Place thin lime slices or wedges on top of the bars for a pop of color and an extra citrus kick. This adds visual appeal and enhances the lime flavor.

Pair with Fresh Berries

Serve key lime pie bars alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The sweetness of the berries balances the tangy lime filling perfectly.

Drizzle with Coconut Cream

A drizzle of coconut cream can add a tropical flair to your key lime pie bars. It brings a rich, creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the tartness.

Serve with Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side creates a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Create Mini Dessert Plates

Slice smaller pieces and arrange them on dessert plates with assorted toppings like crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut for an attractive presentation.

How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars

To ensure your key lime pie bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

Use Fresh Key Limes: Whenever possible, use fresh key limes instead of bottled juice for a brighter, more authentic flavor.
Beat Cream Cheese Smoothly: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature and well-beaten to avoid lumps in your filling.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. They should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center to maintain a creamy texture.
Chill Thoroughly: Allow your bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours before serving. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.
Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to five days.
Experiment with Zest: Feel free to adjust the amount of lime zest based on your taste preference for extra zing!

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with key lime pie bars can create a well-rounded dessert table that delights everyone. Here are some great options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that complements the tartness of the bars.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a sweet contrast to the zesty key lime flavor, making them an ideal pairing.
Pineapple Salsa: A refreshing pineapple salsa brings tropical notes that harmonize beautifully with key lime pie bars.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate offers a tasty balance to the acidity of the dessert.
Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses with honey drizzles can provide richness and depth alongside the bright flavors of key lime.
Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes add variety while keeping within the creamy dessert theme, perfect for serving alongside.
Lemon Sorbet: This light sorbet serves as a palate cleanser between bites, enhancing the citrus experience overall.
Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread cookies complement the graham crust’s flavors while offering additional textures to enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making key lime pie bars can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

Using stale graham crackers: Always use fresh graham crackers for a crispy crust. Stale crackers can lead to a soggy base.
Not mixing the filling enough: Make sure to beat the cream cheese thoroughly before adding other ingredients. This prevents lumps in your filling.
Overbaking the bars: Keep an eye on your bars while they bake. Overbaking can cause them to become dry and lose their creamy texture.
Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the bars to chill is crucial for setting. Don’t skip this step if you want clean cuts and a firm consistency.
Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store key lime pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and warm the bars for about 10 minutes until slightly warm.
Microwave: Heat individual servings in the microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds.
Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about key lime pie bars that may help you further.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can substitute regular lime juice for key lime juice if key limes are unavailable. However, this may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I make gluten-free key lime pie bars?

To make gluten-free key lime pie bars, use gluten-free graham crackers or another suitable crust alternative.

Are key lime pie bars supposed to be tart?

Yes, these bars have a tart flavor profile thanks to the lime juice. Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of sweetened condensed milk if desired.

How do I cut my key lime pie bars neatly?

To cut your bars neatly, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe it clean between cuts for cleaner edges.

Final Thoughts

Key lime pie bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different citrus flavors or toppings like whipped cream or coconut. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or as a delightful treat any day. Try making these scrumptious treats today!

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Key Lime Pie Bars

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 48 minutes
Yield: About 12 servings 1x

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Description

Key lime pie bars offer a refreshing twist on the traditional dessert, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust paired with a creamy, tangy lime filling. These bars are not only simple to prepare but also perfect for any occasion—from summer barbecues to family gatherings. The delightful balance of tartness and sweetness makes them an irresistible treat that everyone will enjoy. With the option to add toppings like whipped cream or fresh fruit, you can easily elevate this dessert to impress your guests. Easy to make ahead and store, these key lime pie bars are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale

15 sheets graham crackers (or 30 squares)
2 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
½ cup key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
1 tablespoon lime zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a food processor, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with sugar and melted butter, then press into the lined pan.
Bake for about 10 minutes until golden.
In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add sweetened condensed milk.
Mix in egg yolks one at a time, followed by lime juice, zest, and vanilla until well combined.
Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes until set. Cool before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American