Key Lime Pie Bars

These Key Lime Pie Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness, making them an ideal dessert for summer gatherings or family picnics. With their creamy texture and vibrant lime flavor, they are sure to impress guests at any occasion. Plus, they are simple to prepare, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Serve them chilled from the fridge to enjoy their refreshing taste on a hot day!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crust
• For the Filling
• For the Topping
• How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
• Step 1: Prepare the Crust
• Step 2: Make the Filling
• Step 3: Bake Again
• Step 4: Prepare the Topping
• Step 5: Assemble & Serve
• How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
• With Fresh Berries
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
• Served Chilled
• Pair with Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
• Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make my Key Lime Pie Bars firmer?
• Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
• How long can I store Key Lime Pie Bars?
• What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, these bars are a fast and easy dessert option.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of key lime juice and zest creates a bright, tangy flavor that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a light dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack during the day.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for parties or potlucks, these bars are bound to be a hit with friends and family.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Key Lime Pie Bars, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Zester or grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for evenly cooking the bars, ensuring they set properly.
• Electric mixer: A mixer helps achieve a smooth filling by thoroughly blending the ingredients quickly.

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: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and light brown sugar.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until smooth.
2. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
3. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
4. Pour this filling over the baked crust.

Step 3: Bake Again

1. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until set.
2. Remove from oven and let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. In a clean mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

1. Once chilled, cut into squares and top each square with whipped cream before serving.
2. Enjoy your delicious Key Lime Pie Bars!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can elevate their presentation or pair them with delightful accompaniments for a great dessert experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a burst of color and flavor. Their sweetness balances the tartness of the key lime pie bars.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream creates a rich contrast to the tangy filling, making each bite even more indulgent.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can enhance the dessert’s appeal and provide a unique flavor combination that many will love.

Served Chilled

• These bars are best enjoyed cold. Serve them straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat on hot days.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or coconut ice cream complements the key lime pie bars beautifully, adding creaminess and an extra layer of flavor.

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How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars

To achieve the perfect key lime pie bars, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your dessert is as delightful as possible.

• Use Fresh Limes – Freshly squeezed lime juice and zest provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice for optimal taste.

• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined when adding ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture rather than a light and airy bar.

• Chill Thoroughly – Allow your bars to chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving. This ensures they set properly and enhances their flavor.

• Cut Cleanly – Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut your bars neatly. This will give you clean edges and a professional look.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your key lime pie bars can enhance your dessert table. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.

1. Grilled Pineapple – Sweet and smoky, grilled pineapple adds a tropical touch that pairs perfectly with key lime flavors.
2. Coconut Macaroons – Chewy coconut macaroons offer a delightful texture contrast, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
3. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides additional sweetness and freshness, balancing the tartness of the key lime pie bars.
4. Mini Cheesecakes – Light and creamy mini cheesecakes make for an elegant addition that satisfies diverse tastes.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These sweet treats bring richness alongside the tangy dessert, creating a wonderful flavor blend.
6. Lemon Sorbet – The citrusy sorbet serves as a palate cleanser while echoing the zesty notes of your key lime pie bars.
7. Pecan Crust Brownies – Rich brownies with a pecan crust satisfy chocolate cravings and offer a nice contrast in flavors.
8. Classic Vanilla Cake – Simple yet elegant, vanilla cake is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with fruity desserts like these key lime pie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making key lime pie bars can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Using stale cookies – Fresh vanilla wafers yield better texture and flavor. Check the expiration date before using.
• Overbaking the filling – Bake just until set to keep your bars creamy. A slight jiggle in the center is a good sign.
• Skipping the chilling time – Allowing your bars to chill enhances their flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking requires precision. Use dry and liquid measuring cups for the best results.
• Ignoring the zest – Lime zest adds essential flavor. Make sure to use fresh zest from key limes for a vibrant taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store key lime pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will last up to 5 days, maintaining freshness and quality.

Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars

• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for extra protection.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars for about 10 minutes until slightly heated through.
• Microwave – Heat individually on low power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop – Place in a non-stick pan on low heat, rotating occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making key lime pie bars that might help you out.

How do I make my Key Lime Pie Bars firmer?

To achieve firmer bars, ensure you bake them just right and allow ample cooling time in the refrigerator.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

While bottled lime juice is convenient, using fresh lime juice gives a more vibrant and authentic flavor to your key lime pie bars.

How long can I store Key Lime Pie Bars?

You can store key lime pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

You can make a homemade version using milk and sugar, but it’s best to use sweetened condensed milk for authentic taste in key lime pie bars.

Final Thoughts

These key lime pie bars are a delightful treat perfect for any summer gathering or when you crave something tangy and sweet. With their easy preparation, they invite customization like adding berries or coconut for a twist. Give this recipe a try – it’s sure to impress!