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For these delightful Key Lime Pie Bars, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice) - Zest of 2 limes - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Whipped cream (for topping) - Lime slices (for garnish) Each ingredient plays an important role in creating this zesty treat. The graham cracker crumbs form the crust. The sugar adds sweetness, while the butter binds everything together. Eggs bring richness and help the filling set. Sweetened condensed milk gives the bars their creamy texture. Fresh key lime juice and zest provide that signature tang. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Lastly, whipped cream and lime slices make the bars look and taste amazing. They add a fresh touch and a pop of color. These ingredients come together to create a dessert that is both easy to make and hard to resist! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. A hot oven helps the crust and filling cook perfectly. In a medium mixing bowl, mix together: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Stir the ingredients until they look like wet sand. This will form a tasty base for your bars. In a separate bowl, whisk together: - 2 large eggs - 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice - Zest of 2 limes - 1/4 teaspoon salt Mix until the filling is smooth. This will create a zesty and creamy filling for your pie bars. Pour the lime filling over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The edges should set, but the center can still jiggle slightly. After baking, take the pie bars out of the oven. Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps them firm up nicely. Once the bars are chilled, lift them from the pan using parchment paper, if used. Cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife. Top each bar with whipped cream and a slice of lime for a fresh touch. Enjoy the delightful flavors! To make a great crust, use fresh graham cracker crumbs. You can crush them in a bag or food processor. Mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture tightly into your pan. This helps it hold together. Bake it until golden brown. This gives it a nice crunch. For the filling, whisk the eggs and sweetened condensed milk well. Make sure there are no lumps. Add fresh key lime juice and zest. This adds great flavor. When you bake the bars, watch for a slight jiggle in the center. This shows they are perfectly set. Too firm means they might be overbaked. When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut the bars. Top each bar with whipped cream. A slice of lime on top looks great too. For a fun twist, sprinkle extra lime zest over the whipped cream. Serve these bars on a bright plate. The colors will catch everyone’s eye! Pro Tips Use Fresh Limes: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh key limes or regular limes instead of bottled juice. Fresh juice elevates the taste of your bars significantly. Chill Thoroughly: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps them set properly, making them easier to cut into clean squares. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly, or add more lime juice to enhance the tartness. Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with lime zest and mint leaves in addition to whipped cream. This adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma. {{image_4}} You can switch key limes for other citrus fruits. Try using fresh limes, lemons, or even oranges. Each fruit brings a unique flavor. Lemons add a bright tartness. Oranges offer a sweet and zesty twist. This gives you more fun ways to enjoy these bars. If you need a gluten-free dessert, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Many brands offer these now. You can also make your own from gluten-free cookies. This way, you can still enjoy the great taste of key lime bars without gluten. Want to add some fun texture? Consider mixing in fruits or nuts. You can fold in fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. They pair well with the tart lime. Chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, bring a nice crunch. Just sprinkle them on top before baking. This makes your bars even more special and tasty! To keep your Key Lime Pie Bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing. You can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their zesty flavor and creamy texture. You can freeze these bars if you want to save some for later. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container. They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you prefer your Key Lime Pie Bars warm, here’s how to do it. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars in an oven-safe dish. Heat them for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Serve warm with whipped cream for a tasty treat! Yes, you can use regular limes. Key limes are smaller and have a unique taste. They add tartness and a special aroma. If you use regular limes, the bars will be a bit different. The flavor will be more acidic and less sweet. Still, they will taste great! Look for the edges to be set and the center to jiggle slightly. The filling should not be too wobbly. It should look firm around the edges. A slight jiggle in the middle means they are perfect. Overbaking can make them dry, so watch closely! Yes, you can make them ahead of time! Bake the bars and chill them. They keep well in the fridge for up to three days. This is great for parties or gatherings. Just slice and add whipped cream before serving. Key Lime Pie comes from the Florida Keys. It uses key limes, which grow there. The pie became popular in the early 20th century. It has a rich history tied to the area’s fishing culture. People used simple ingredients like eggs, milk, and lime juice. Today, it is a classic American dessert! In this post, we covered how to make delicious Key Lime Pie Bars. We explored the essential ingredients, from graham cracker crumbs to fresh key lime juice. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the crust and baking the bars. Don’t forget the helpful tips for perfecting texture and serving suggestions. Variations like alternative citrus and gluten-free options can add some fun. Lastly, we discussed how to store and reheat them. Enjoy making these tasty bars; they are easy and sure to impress!

Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars

Delicious and refreshing key lime pie bars with a graham cracker crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 half cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 half cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
  • 2 zest limes
  • 1 quarter teaspoon salt
  • none whipped cream (for topping)
  • none lime slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
  • Prepare the Crust: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined and resembles wet sand.
  • Form the Crust: Take the prepared crumb mixture and firmly press it into the bottom of a greased 8x8-inch baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and emits a fragrant smell.
  • Make the Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well integrated, ensuring there are no lumps.
  • Combine and Bake: Carefully pour the lime filling over the previously prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but remains slightly jiggly in the center.
  • Cool and Chill: Once done baking, remove the pie bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Afterward, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up completely.
  • Slice and Serve: Once chilled, use the edges of the parchment paper (if lined) to lift the bars from the pan. Cut them into squares or bars using a sharp knife. Top each bar with a luscious dollop of whipped cream and place a lime slice on top for garnish.

Notes

For added flair, sprinkle a touch of extra lime zest over the whipped cream.
Keyword dessert, key lime, pie bars