Key Lime Pie Bars
These Key Lime Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. Ideal for any summer gathering, they offer a refreshing dessert option that everyone will love. Their creamy filling atop a crunchy crust makes them an instant hit, whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or simply a sunny afternoon at home. With minimal effort required, these bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these bars ready in no time.
- Refreshing Flavor: The bright, zesty lime adds a refreshing twist that is perfect for hot days.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, family gatherings, or even as a special treat for yourself!
- Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy filling and crunchy crust appeals to all ages.
Tools and Preparation
To create these scrumptious key lime pie bars, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything comes together smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- 9×9 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This tool makes crushing the vanilla wafer cookies effortless, resulting in a fine crumb for your crust.
- 9×9 inch baking dish: The right size ensures even cooking and the perfect portioning for your bars.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the filling smoothly without lumps, creating that creamy texture we all love.
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 that the crust bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a food processor, combine the finely ground vanilla wafer cookies with melted butter and light brown sugar.
- Pulse until well combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish to form an even layer.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime zest and egg yolks until well blended.
- Gradually add sweetened condensed milk while continuing to whisk until smooth.
- Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Pour Filling Over Crust
Pour the filling mixture over your cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Bake Again
Bake in the oven for another 20 minutes or until set. The center may still jiggle slightly when done; it will firm up as it cools.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Once baked, allow your key lime pie bars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating them for at least two hours.
Step 8: Prepare Whipped Topping
In another bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Step 9: Serve
Cut into squares and serve topped with whipped cream. Enjoy your refreshing key lime pie bars!
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a refreshing treat, perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to serve them that will impress your guests.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and a beautiful presentation.
Paired with Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit such as strawberries or blueberries to enhance the tartness of the bars.
As a Frozen Treat
- Freeze the bars for a cool dessert option on hot summer days. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
With Toasted Coconut
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top for an extra layer of flavor and texture that complements the key lime.
Drizzled with Lime Glaze
- Create a simple lime glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lime juice, then drizzle it over the bars just before serving for added sweetness.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
To make your key lime pie bars even better, consider these helpful tips:
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Use Fresh Limes – Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a vibrant flavor that bottled juice simply can’t match.
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Chill Before Serving – Letting your bars chill in the fridge for at least two hours enhances their taste and makes them easier to cut.
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Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on baking time; you want the filling set but still slightly wobbly in the center for that creamy texture.
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Garnish Thoughtfully – Garnish your bars with lime zest or thin lime slices for an appealing look and an extra pop of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars pair well with various side dishes that complement their tangy flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
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Coconut Sorbet – A light and refreshing dessert that balances the tartness of the key lime pie bars perfectly.
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Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and a sweet contrast to the tangy bars.
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Lemonade – A cold glass of lemonade enhances the citrus experience while providing a thirst-quenching companion.
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Tropical Smoothie – A smoothie made with bananas, mangoes, and coconut milk is a delicious way to round out your dessert spread.
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Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can offer a savory counterpoint to the sweetness and tartness of your key lime pie bars.
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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – This classic cake adds richness and complements the flavors with its own tropical notes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Key Lime Pie Bars is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using the wrong limes: Always opt for fresh key limes. Regular limes won’t give you that authentic flavor. Look for small, thin-skinned limes for the best results.
- Skipping the chilling time: These bars need time to set in the fridge. If you cut them too soon, they won’t hold their shape. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Overbaking the crust: Keep an eye on the crust while it bakes. An overcooked crust can become too hard and difficult to cut. Aim for a light golden color.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking requires precision. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure that your ingredients are spot-on.
- Ignoring the zest measurement: Lime zest adds depth to your bars. Don’t skimp on it; pack it well when measuring for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Key Lime Pie Bars in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
- Wrap each bar individually 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) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars for about 15-20 seconds until just warm.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Key Lime Pie Bars.
How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done?
You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. This ensures they will firm up as they cool.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While you can use bottled lime juice, fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness in your Key Lime Pie Bars.
What type of cookie works best for the crust?
Vanilla wafer cookies provide a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them ideal for your pie bars.
Are there any variations I can try?
Feel free to experiment by adding coconut or swapping out some lime juice with lemon juice for a different twist on these delicious bars.
Final Thoughts
These Key Lime Pie Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or mix-ins like berries or coconut flakes. Perfectly tart and refreshing, they are sure to delight anyone who tries them! Give this recipe a go and enjoy a slice of summer any time of year!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Pie Bars, a perfect summer treat that balances sweet and tart flavors in every bite. These bars feature a creamy lime filling atop a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, making them an instant favorite for any gathering. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, they are ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a cozy afternoon at home. With minimal effort required, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely ground vanilla wafer cookies
- 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, combine ground vanilla wafers, melted butter, and brown sugar; pulse until mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Whisk together lime zest and egg yolks in a bowl, then add sweetened condensed milk and lime juice until smooth.
- Pour filling over the cooled crust and bake for another 20 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form; serve bars topped with whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 89mg
