Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: key lime pie bars! They’re the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy, all wrapped up in a convenient bar form that’s just begging to be devoured. I love whipping these up because they remind me of sunny days spent by the beach, and every bite takes me right there! Plus, they’re so easy to make—no fancy skills required. You just mix, pour, bake, and chill! And trust me, the flavor is out of this world. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just need a sweet treat to brighten your day, these key lime pie bars are a must. They’re always a hit, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: These create a buttery, crunchy base that pairs perfectly with the tangy filling.
- ½ cup sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten the crust and balance the tartness of the key lime.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: This brings the crust together and adds richness; make sure it’s melted for easy mixing!
- 2 cups sweetened condensed milk: A creamy staple in key lime pie that adds sweetness and a velvety texture.
- 1 cup key lime juice: Fresh is best for that zesty pop of flavor that key limes are famous for.
- 4 large egg yolks: These help set the filling and give it a luscious, smooth consistency.
- Zest of 2 key limes: This adds an extra punch of lime flavor and a lovely aroma.
How to Prepare Key Lime Pie Bars
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making these delicious key lime pie bars! It’s really simple, and I promise you’ll love the process as much as the end result. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to tangy goodness!
Step 1 – Prepare the Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is nice and crumbly—this is where the magic starts! Then, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and press that mixture firmly into the bottom. You want it compact and even, so it holds together beautifully when you slice into those bars.
Step 2 – Make the Filling
Now, let’s whip up that luscious filling! In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest. Seriously, using fresh key lime juice makes a huge difference in flavor—trust me! Get it all blended until it’s smooth and creamy, and then you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3 – Bake and Cool
Pour that zesty filling over your crust and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, just until it’s set. Once that timer goes off, let the bars cool completely at room temperature. This is super important—don’t skip it! After they’ve cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps everything meld together beautifully, and it makes slicing them into bars a breeze!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular limes for key limes if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that regular limes are a bit more tart, so the flavor will be slightly different. But hey, if you love lime, you’ll still enjoy these bars!
How do I store leftover key lime pie bars?
To keep your key lime pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to cut them into bars after they’ve chilled, so they’re ready to grab and enjoy whenever you want!
Can I freeze key lime pie bars?
You sure can! To freeze key lime pie bars, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Easy peasy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You can whip these key lime pie bars up in no time—perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
- Easy Steps: Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that looks impressive!
- Tangy Flavor: The zesty key lime flavor is refreshing and sure to brighten any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to cut into portions, making them ideal for parties or gatherings.
- Versatile Topping: Dress them up with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or enjoy them plain—either way, they’re delightful!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your key lime pie bars turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skimp on the lime juice—using fresh key limes will elevate the flavor to a whole new level, so it’s worth the extra effort! Also, be careful not to overbake them; you want the filling to be set but still a little jiggly in the center when you take them out of the oven. This ensures they’re creamy and not too firm.
Another tip is to let them cool completely before refrigerating. This helps the bars firm up nicely and makes them easier to slice. And don’t forget to chill them for at least 2 hours before cutting—this really helps the flavors meld and enhances that refreshing taste. Lastly, if you find your crust is crumbly when you press it in, just add a touch more melted butter to bind it better. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for one of these delightful key lime pie bars. Each bar contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 37g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find 18g of sugar and 150mg of sodium included in this tasty treat. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect while enjoying your key lime pie bars!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these key lime pie bars, the sky’s the limit! I love topping them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream—it adds a lovely creaminess that pairs perfectly with the tangy filling. You could also sprinkle some lime zest on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, make a beautiful garnish and add a touch of sweetness. Trust me, these little touches make your dessert look as good as it tastes!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your key lime pie bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’ve got extras or want to make them ahead, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. No need to reheat—just thaw them in the fridge overnight, and they’re ready to enjoy!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about these key lime pie bars! If you try the recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how they turned out. And if you enjoyed them, don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends on social media. Happy baking!
Print
Key lime pie bars: 5 Steps to Tangy Bliss
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and tangy dessert that combines the flavors of key lime in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup key lime juice
- 4 large egg yolks
- Zest of 2 key limes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest.
- Pour the key lime mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until set.
- Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use fresh key limes for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- You can top with whipped cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: key lime pie bars
