Key Lime Pie Bars
These Key Lime Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or just a refreshing dessert at home, these bars deliver all the classic key lime flavor in an easy-to-make format. With a buttery crust and a luscious filling, they truly stand out as a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and only a handful of ingredients, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
- Perfectly Tart and Sweet: The balance of key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dessert: Whether it’s for a summer barbecue or a family gathering, these bars are suitable for any occasion.
- Chilled Delight: They are best served chilled, providing a refreshing treat on hot days.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these bars in advance, making them perfect for meal prep or special events.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your Key Lime Pie Bars much easier. Gather these essentials before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Quickly grinds the cookies into fine crumbs for the crust, saving time and effort.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without any mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth filling by effectively blending the egg yolks with other ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect size to bake the bars evenly and provide ample servings.
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: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a food processor, pulse the vanilla wafer cookies until finely ground.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar until well mixed.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks until they lighten in color.
- Gradually add sweetened condensed milk while continuing to whisk until smooth.
- Stir in lime zest and freshly squeezed lime juice until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust in your baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until set.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating them for at least two hours. Once chilled, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then spread over cooled bars before slicing into squares.
Enjoy these delicious Key Lime Pie Bars as a refreshing treat!
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply indulging on your own, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Serve Chilled
- Serve the bars chilled directly from the fridge for a refreshing dessert on hot days.
Top with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream on each bar for added creaminess and flavor.
Garnish with Lime Slices
- Decorate each slice with thin lime slices or wedges for an extra citrusy touch.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries to balance the tartness of the key lime.
Enjoy with a Scoop of Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tangy bars, creating a delicious contrast.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
To ensure your key lime pie bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the flavor significantly compared to bottled juice.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours after baking for optimal texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when done.
- Opt for High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality sweetened condensed milk and butter will elevate the taste.
- Cut Even Squares: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts when slicing into squares.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness that pairs beautifully with key lime pie bars.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a delightful contrast to the tartness of the bars.
- Pineapple Salsa: A zesty pineapple salsa brings a tropical flair that complements key lime’s bright flavors.
- Vanilla Pudding: Creamy vanilla pudding can serve as a smooth base under the key lime bars, adding richness.
- Minted Yogurt Dip: A mint-infused yogurt dip offers a cool contrast and refreshing taste alongside the tart dessert.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Sweet chocolate-covered strawberries provide indulgence and balance against sour notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Key Lime Pie Bars can be simple, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the Zest: Not using lime zest can lead to a flat flavor. Always include fresh lime zest for that extra zing.
- Overbaking the Crust: Baking the crust too long can make it hard and dry. Keep an eye on it and remove it as soon as it’s lightly golden.
- Using Bottled Juice: Bottled lime juice lacks the freshness of freshly squeezed juice. Always opt for fresh key limes for the best taste.
- Not Chilling Long Enough: Rushing the chilling process can result in a messy cut. Allow your bars to chill completely for clean squares.
- Skipping Tasting Along the Way: Not tasting your filling can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Adjust sweetness or tartness as needed before pouring it into the crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use medium power, heat for 10-15 seconds until just warmed.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Key Lime Pie Bars:
How do I achieve the perfect texture for Key Lime Pie Bars?
To get that creamy texture, make sure to mix your sweetened condensed milk well with egg yolks and lime juice until smooth.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, regular limes can be used, but they may alter the flavor slightly. Key limes provide a distinct tartness that is ideal for this recipe.
How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done?
They are done when they are set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
What other toppings can I add to Key Lime Pie Bars?
Consider adding whipped cream, lime slices, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra flavor and decoration.
Final Thoughts
These Key Lime Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their delightful tang makes them perfect for summer gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing taste of Key Lime Pie Bars, a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. These easy-to-make bars combine the perfect balance of tart key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk, all nestled in a buttery vanilla wafer crust. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these creamy bars are sure to impress. Refrigerate them for a chilled treat that’s both satisfying and light—ideal for warm weather gatherings. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this crowd-pleaser effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely ground vanilla wafer cookies
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime zest (from 6–7 key limes)
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, pulse the cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and brown sugar, then press into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Whisk egg yolks until lightened, then mix in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Stir in lime zest and juice.
- Pour filling over crust and bake for about 30 minutes until set.
- Cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least two hours. Top with whipped cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
