Key Lime Pie Bars
Key Lime Pie Bars are a delicious twist on the classic key lime pie. These sweet and tangy treats are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or any time you crave a refreshing dessert. With a creamy filling and a crunchy crust, they are easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Key Lime Pie Bars because they are simple and fun to prepare. They combine the bright flavors of key lime with a rich cream cheese filling and a buttery graham cracker crust. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for gatherings or dessert parties. Everyone loves a good dessert, and these bars are sure to be a hit!
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup key lime juice
- Zest of 2 regular limes or 4 key limes
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Lime zest for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, lightly sprayed with cooking spray, and set aside.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and let the crust cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Blend in the egg yolks, then gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and bake for 35-40 minutes until slightly jiggly but set.
- Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- Beat the cold heavy cream and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread this whipped cream over the chilled bars and chill for another 30 minutes.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and garnish with lime zest before serving.
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Serve Key Lime Pie Bars chilled. They make a perfect dessert after a heavy meal or a refreshing snack on a warm day. You can add extra lime zest or a few lime wedges on the plate for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store Key Lime Pie Bars
Keep any leftover Key Lime Pie Bars in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap. They can last in the fridge for up to 3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh!
Tips to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can adjust the amount of lime juice based on how tangy you like your bars.
- If you can’t find key limes, regular limes will work just fine, but key limes offer a more authentic taste.
Variation
For a twist on the classic bars, try adding a layer of fruit puree, like raspberry or mango, on top of the cream cheese filling before baking. This adds a delicious fruity flavor and beautiful color.
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust if you’re short on time.
2. Can I freeze Key Lime Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.
3. How can I make the bars more or less sweet?
You can adjust the sugar in the crust or the amount of sweetened condensed milk to make the bars sweeter or less sweet, depending on your preference.
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Key Lime Pie Bars with a creamy filling and crunchy crust, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup key lime juice
- Zest of 2 regular limes or 4 key limes
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- Lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, lightly sprayed with cooking spray, and set aside.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and let the crust cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Blend in the egg yolks, then gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and bake for 35-40 minutes until slightly jiggly but set.
- Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
- Beat the cold heavy cream and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread this whipped cream over the chilled bars and chill for another 30 minutes.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and garnish with lime zest before serving.
Notes
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Adjust the amount of lime juice based on desired tanginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: key lime, dessert, summer treats, bars, refreshing dessert