Key Lime Pie Bars offer a convenient and delightful way to enjoy the classic tangy-sweet flavor of key lime pie in a portable and easy-to-serve bar format, perfect for parties, picnics, or a simple weeknight treat. This recipe is incredibly useful for anyone craving a taste of sunshine without the fuss of a traditional pie crust.
Key Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Bars :
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full graham crackers)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice (from about 8-10 key limes)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest (from about 2-3 key limes)
- For the Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Lime slices or zest
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars :
Whip up a batch of these delightful Key Lime Pie Bars in under an hour! They’re incredibly simple to assemble, boasting a perfect balance of tart key lime and sweet creaminess atop a buttery graham cracker base. The smooth, rich texture is utterly satisfying, making them an instant favorite. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with an additional 30-35 minutes for baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat your oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This will help you remove the bars cleanly once they are set.
- Make the graham cracker crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This creates the delicious foundation for your bars.
- Blind bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown and fragrant. This step helps to set the crust and prevent it from becoming soggy. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the key lime filling: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, egg yolks, and key lime zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Be sure to use fresh key lime juice for the most authentic and vibrant flavor.
- Pour filling over the crust: Carefully pour the key lime filling evenly over the slightly cooled graham cracker crust in the baking pan. Gently spread it to the edges to ensure an even layer.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should be mostly firm but may retain a slight wobble; it will continue to set as it cools. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let the Key Lime Pie Bars cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled to room temperature, cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and firm. This chilling time is crucial for the bars to set properly.
- Cut and serve: Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into desired bar shapes (e.g., 16 squares). Serve chilled, garnished with whipped cream and a lime slice or zest, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie Bars :
You’ll absolutely adore these Key Lime Pie Bars for their perfectly balanced sweet and tart flavor that’s both refreshing and utterly indulgent. Imagine the zesty tang of fresh key limes cutting through a luxuriously creamy filling, all nestled on a buttery, golden graham cracker crust – it’s pure sunshine in every bite! Unlike a traditional pie, these bars are incredibly easy to make and serve, making them a fantastic stress-free option for any gathering. Plus, the cost-saving benefit of whipping up this delightful dessert at home is significant, offering that gourmet taste without the premium price tag.
These bars are a brilliant alternative for those who find making a full pie intimidating, offering all the beloved flavors in a more accessible format. They’re a proven crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day. Don’t miss out on this straightforward and incredibly delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite – give these Key Lime Pie Bars a try and taste the difference homemade goodness makes!
Storing and Reheating Tips :
- Refrigeration: Properly stored Key Lime Pie Bars can be kept in an airtight container or tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Cut them into individual portions and wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars will keep their best quality for up to 1-2 months.
- Thawing and Serving: To thaw frozen bars, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. They are best enjoyed chilled.
- Reheating: These bars are best served cold, so reheating is generally not recommended as it can affect the texture of the filling.
Final Thoughts :
These Key Lime Pie Bars are a truly delightful and accessible treat that captures the essence of a beloved dessert in a convenient form. Give them a try for a burst of sunshine and tangy sweetness that’s sure to impress!
Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs, 0.33 cup granulated sugar, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown and fragrant. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, egg yolks, and key lime zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, 0.5 cup fresh key lime juice, 4 large egg yolks, 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- Carefully pour the key lime filling evenly over the slightly cooled graham cracker crust in the baking pan. Gently spread it to the edges.
- Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center should be mostly firm but may retain a slight wobble.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the Key Lime Pie Bars cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled to room temperature, cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and firm.
- Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut into desired bar shapes. Serve chilled, garnished with whipped cream and a lime slice or zest, if desired.whipped cream, lime slices or zest