Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

If you're craving a refreshing, tangy, and creamy dessert, look no further than these Easy Key Lime Pie Bars. They capture all the delicious flavors of classic key lime pie but in a portable, easy-to-make bar form. These bars have a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy, zesty lime filling, perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or whenever you're in the mood for something sweet with a citrus twist. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and variations to make these Key Lime Pie Bars your new favorite dessert!

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What Are Key Lime Pie Bars?

Key Lime Pie Bars are a simplified version of the classic key lime pie, with the same tart lime filling and graham cracker crust. Instead of serving it as a round pie, the dessert is made in a square baking pan and cut into bars. The bars have a creamy, tangy filling made from sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and egg yolks, sitting atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for serving at parties, and they’re easy to slice and transport.

Ingredients List for Key Lime Pie Bars

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these easy Key Lime Pie Bars:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Key Lime Filling:

• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk (14 oz each)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled key lime juice)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest (or regular lime zest, optional)
• 4 large egg yolks

For Garnish:

• Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
• Lime slices or zest (optional, for garnish)

Ingredients List for Additional Flavor and Variations

Looking to add a twist or enhance your bars? Try these variations:

• Coconut crust – Mix ½ cup shredded coconut into the graham cracker crust for a tropical flavor.
• Gingersnap crust – Substitute graham crackers with gingersnap cookies for a spicier, more robust crust.
• Topping ideas – Add a layer of whipped cream or meringue on top of the bars for extra creaminess.
• Extra lime flavor – For an even more pronounced lime flavor, add a few drops of lime extract to the filling.

Substitutions and Variations

These Key Lime Pie Bars are versatile and can be adjusted to suit various preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
• Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and vegan butter for the crust.
• Low-sugar version: Opt for a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk alternative for a lower sugar option.
• Lemon-lime bars: Combine lemon and lime juice for a citrusy twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s go through the steps for making these refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:

• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. If using cinnamon, add it at this step.
• Stir until the mixture is well-combined and resembles wet sand.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even layer.
• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Key Lime Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, key lime juice, lime zest (if using), and egg yolks until smooth and creamy.
• Pour the lime mixture over the baked and cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

4. Bake the Bars:

• Bake the bars in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is just set and slightly jiggly in the center.
• Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

5. Chill and Set:

• After the bars have cooled to room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is fully set.

6. Slice and Serve:

• Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
• Garnish with whipped cream, lime zest, or lime slices, if desired.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F and prepare your baking dish.
2. Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter, then press into the baking dish and bake.
3. Mix the filling: Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, egg yolks, and sour cream.
4. Bake the filling: Pour over the crust and bake until set.
5. Chill and set: Refrigerate the bars for a few hours until fully set before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not fully chilling the bars: It’s essential to allow the bars to chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to ensure the filling sets properly. Skipping this step can result in bars that are too runny to slice.
• Using regular lime juice: Key limes have a distinct flavor that's slightly more tart than regular limes. While you can substitute regular lime juice in a pinch, it won’t give the same authentic taste.
• Overmixing the filling: Stir the filling just until it’s smooth and combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the mixture, which may affect the texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Key Lime Pie Bars are a perfect balance of creamy and tart flavors. Here are some ways to make them stand out:

• Top with whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of whipped topping to each bar before serving for an extra touch of creaminess.
• Garnish with lime slices: Thinly sliced key lime or regular lime slices add a pop of color and indicate the fresh lime flavor.
• Drizzle with white chocolate: A drizzle of melted white chocolate over the bars can add a touch of sweetness and a decorative finish.
• Serve chilled: These bars are best served cold from the fridge, making them refreshing and perfect for summer gatherings.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Serve the bars cold for the best flavor and texture. For casual gatherings, cut them into squares and arrange them on a dessert tray. For more formal occasions, plate each bar individually with a garnish of whipped cream, lime zest, and a slice of lime.

Presentation Ideas for Key Lime Pie Bars

• Tiered dessert stand: Display the bars on a tiered dessert stand for a sophisticated touch at parties or events.
• Individual plates: Serve each bar on a small plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of lime zest for a more refined presentation.
• Colorful tray: Arrange the bars on a colorful tray or platter for a festive, tropical-themed party.

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Use fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed key lime juice will give these bars the best flavor. If you can’t find key limes, you can use bottled key lime juice or regular lime juice.
• Make them ahead: These bars can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavor often improves after chilling for a day, making them perfect for entertaining.
• Cutting clean slices: For neat, clean slices, wipe your knife with a damp cloth between each cut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular lime juice for key lime juice, but the flavor will be slightly less tart and more mellow. If possible, use fresh key limes or bottled key lime juice for the best flavor.

Q: How long do Key Lime Pie Bars last?
A: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Q: Can I freeze Key Lime Pie Bars?
A: Yes! Key Lime Pie Bars freeze well. After the bars are fully set, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Do I need to use sour cream in the filling?
A: Sour cream adds a slight tang and extra creaminess, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or omit it entirely if you prefer a simpler filling.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie Bars are a refreshing, easy-to-make dessert that delivers all the tangy, creamy goodness of key lime pie in bar form. With their buttery graham cracker crust and zesty lime filling, these bars are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or just as a sweet treat after dinner. Plus, they’re simple to prepare ahead of time, making them a stress-free dessert for any occasion. So why not try this recipe today and enjoy a little slice of tropical heaven with every bite?

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