Key Lime Pie Bars

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Delicious Key Lime Pie Bars with a crumbly crust and vibrant lime filling
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Key Lime Pie Bars

Introduction

Key Lime Pie Bars bring a delightful twist to the classic dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a zesty lime filling, these bars are refreshing and easy to make. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion, they are sure to impress your friends and family.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Key Lime Pie Bars is a great way to enjoy a taste of the tropics. They are easy to prepare, require simple ingredients, and can be made ahead of time. Plus, the combination of creamy filling and zesty lime flavor will brighten up any dessert table. Whether you are a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is accessible and rewarding.

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang. Spray lightly with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and let cool.
  3. Beat the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add the egg yolks and mix well. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Pour this mixture over the crust and bake for 35-40 minutes until slightly jiggly but set.
  4. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
  5. Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar until thick, then spread it over the cooled bars. Chill for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares, garnish with lime zest, and serve.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Serve these bars chilled for a cool and refreshing dessert. They can be presented on a platter, garnished with fresh lime zest or maybe even a slice of lime for added flair. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

How to Store Key Lime Pie Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened well to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Use fresh key limes for the best flavor, but regular limes work too if you can’t find them.
  • Allow bars to chill completely in the refrigerator for the best texture before serving.

Variation

You can add a touch of coconut for a tropical twist. Simply mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the filling or sprinkle it on top of the whipped cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use bottled key lime juice?
Yes, you can use bottled key lime juice if fresh limes are not available. Just check the label to ensure it’s 100% juice without added sugars.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or any gluten-free cookie crumbs.

3. How can I tell when the filling is done baking?
The filling should be slightly jiggly but set in the center when done. It will firm up more as it cools.

Print
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Key Lime Pie Bars

  • Author: olivia
  • Total Time: 180 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Delightful Key Lime Pie Bars with a buttery graham cracker crust and zesty lime filling, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and let cool.
  3. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add egg yolks and mix well. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Pour over the crust and bake for 35-40 minutes until slightly jiggly but set.
  4. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
  5. Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar until thick, then spread over the cooled bars. Chill for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares, garnish with lime zest, and serve.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is well softened to avoid lumps. Use fresh key limes for best flavor, or regular limes if unavailable.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Key Lime, Dessert, Summer, Creamy, Bars

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