These Key Lime Pie Bars are a zesty treat that brings the taste of summer right to your kitchen! With a crunchy graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy lime filling, they’re simply refreshing.
Making these bars is a breeze! I love how they can be cut into perfect squares, making them easy to share or snack on. Just remember to keep some for yourself amidst the munching! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are the base for your crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives the filling its creamy texture and sweetness. If you need a dairy-free option, look for coconut condensed milk as a substitute. It will add a tropical twist!
Key Lime Juice: Fresh key limes have a unique tang, but if they’re hard to find, regular limes will work just fine. The taste may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For the topping, if you’re looking to cut calories, you can use a light whipped topping or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version. The flavor will vary a bit, but it can still be tasty!
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for the Filling?
The filling is essential for that classic key lime pie taste. Blend your sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps! The mixture should be creamy and well combined before pouring it over the crust.
- Combine all filling ingredients in a large bowl.
- Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth with no clumps.
- Pour carefully over the crust, ensuring it spreads evenly.
Remember, bake it until it’s just set but slightly jiggly in the center—this guarantees a smooth, creamy texture once it chills!
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Filling:
- 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup fresh key lime juice (about 10-12 key limes)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest, plus more for garnish
- 4 large egg yolks
For The Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Lime zest, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 30-35 minutes for baking. You’ll need to chill the bars for at least 4 hours before serving, so plan some extra time for that. Altogether, you can expect to spend around 5 hours from start to enjoying these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make removal easier later. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir everything together until the crumbs are nicely coated. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust. Pop it into the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until it turns a light golden color. Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and well mixed. Pour this zesty lime filling over your cooled crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake this in the oven for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a filling that’s set but still a bit jiggly in the center. When it’s ready, take it out and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Chill and Top:
Once your bars are at room temperature, cover them and pop them in the fridge for at least 4 hours—or even overnight if you can wait! For the yummy topping, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until you see soft peaks forming. When your key lime pie bars are fully chilled, cut them into squares. Top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some lime zest on top for that gorgeous finishing touch. Serve them chilled and savor every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Crust for These Bars?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use crushed vanilla wafer cookies or Oreo cookies for the crust. Just substitute the graham cracker crumbs with the same amount of the cookie of your choice. Make sure to keep the sugar and butter measurements the same for a tasty and complementary flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for prepping in advance! You can make them one or two days ahead of time. Just remember to keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld and results in a beautifully chilled treat!
How to Store Leftover Key Lime Pie Bars
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Bottled Key Lime Juice Instead of Fresh?
While fresh key lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled key lime juice if needed. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars or preservatives for the best results. You may need to adjust the amount slightly to taste, as bottled juices can vary in tartness!
