Key lime pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic key lime pie. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust combined with a creamy and tangy lime filling, making them irresistible! Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or simply as a sweet treat at home, these key lime pie bars will satisfy any dessert lover’s cravings. Their balance of sweetness and tartness offers a refreshing finish to any meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Most of the components are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious treats ready to bake before you know it.
Versatile Dessert: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or family gathering, these key lime pie bars are always a crowd-pleaser.
Chilled Delight: The chilling time gives the bars their creamy texture while enhancing the bold flavors of lime.
Perfectly Portioned: Each bar is perfectly sized for sharing or indulging all by yourself!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential tools for creating the perfect key lime pie bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor
9×9-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: Quickly crushes graham crackers into fine crumbs for that ideal crust texture.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and keeping things organized.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: Helps achieve smooth and creamy fillings without much effort.

Ingredients

Key lime pie bars are a favorite dessert in a bar – a buttery graham cracker crust and a tart and creamy lime filling!!

For the Crust

15 sheets graham crackers (or 30 squares)
2 tablespoons sugar
pinch salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling

6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
1 tablespoon lime zest
½ cup key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your 9×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make removing the bars easier later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a food processor or large Ziploc bag, crush the graham crackers until fine crumbs form.

Step 3: Mix Crust Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix well. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your lined pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until slightly golden.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While your crust is baking, take another mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Egg Yolks and Flavorings

Add in egg yolks one at a time to ensure they mix well after each addition. Follow this with lime zest, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a smooth filling.

Step 6: Combine Filling with Crust

Once your crust is baked, pour your filling over it while it’s still hot. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes or until set but not brown on top.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Remove from oven and allow it to cool down before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for about 2-4 hours before cutting into squares to serve. Enjoy!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and creaminess.

Garnished with Lime Slices

Add thin lime slices on top for a zesty presentation and an extra citrus kick.

Paired with Berries

Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries to provide a sweet contrast to the tart lime flavor.

Chilled for Refreshment

Enjoy these bars chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing summer treat.

Drizzled with Chocolate

A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can complement the tartness, making for a unique flavor combination.

Served on a Dessert Platter

Arrange the bars on a colorful platter with other desserts for an appealing dessert table at parties.

How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars

To achieve the best key lime pie bars, consider these tips that will elevate your baking game.

Use Fresh Key Limes – Fresh key limes provide a more vibrant flavor than bottled juice. If unavailable, regular limes work as well.
Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on the baking time; you want them set but not browned. The center should have a slight jiggle when taken out.
Chill Thoroughly – Allowing the bars to chill for several hours helps them set properly and enhances their flavor.
Crush Graham Crackers Finely – Ensure your crust is made of finely crushed graham crackers for a smoother texture and better binding.
Let Cream Cheese Soften – Bringing cream cheese to room temperature before mixing ensures a creamy filling without lumps.
Adjust Sweetness – Taste your filling before pouring it into the crust. If you prefer sweeter bars, adjust the sugar content accordingly.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars

Pairing your key lime pie bars with complementary side dishes can create an enjoyable dining experience. Here are some great options:

Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the tartness of the bars.
Coconut Rice – The subtle sweetness of coconut rice pairs beautifully with the tangy flavors of key lime.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Lightly seasoned grilled shrimp add protein and complement the citrus notes of the dessert.
Spinach Salad – A simple spinach salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich dessert.
Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie that provide creamy textures against the tartness.
Pineapple Salsa – This sweet and tangy salsa brings tropical vibes that match perfectly with key lime pie bars.
Lemonade or Limeade – A chilled glass of lemonade or limeade enhances the citrus theme while providing refreshment.
Chips and Guacamole – For something savory, chips paired with guacamole makes for an unexpected yet delightful side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making key lime pie bars can be simple, but some common mistakes may ruin your dessert. Here are key points to keep in mind:

Using stale graham crackers: Always check the freshness of your graham crackers. Stale or old crackers won’t provide the right texture and flavor.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you add the right amounts for a balanced taste.
Overbaking the bars: Keep an eye on baking time. Overbaked bars can become dry; they should be set but not browned.
Skipping the chilling step: Allow your key lime pie bars to chill properly. This helps them firm up and enhances the flavors.
Neglecting to taste-test: Always taste your filling before pouring it into the crust. Adjust sweetness or tartness as needed for perfect balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store key lime pie bars in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Key lime pie bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the bars for about 10 minutes until slightly warm.
Microwave: Heat a single bar on high for about 15-20 seconds, checking to prevent overheating.
Stovetop: Place a bar on a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming, for around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making key lime pie bars:

What are Key Lime Pie Bars?

Key lime pie bars are a delicious dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy, tart lime filling.

How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done baking?

They should be set but not browned. A slight jiggle in the center is fine, as they will firm up while cooling.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can substitute regular lime juice if you can’t find key limes. However, key limes offer a distinct flavor that’s hard to replicate.

How can I customize my Key Lime Pie Bars?

Consider adding coconut flakes or crushed meringue on top for added texture and flavor variations.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They store well in the refrigerator or freezer, making them ideal for preparing ahead of gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Key lime pie bars are a delightful treat that brings together tartness and creaminess in every bite. Their versatility means you can enjoy them as is or customize them with different toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s perfect for any occasion!

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Key Lime Pie Bars

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: About 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Pie Bars, a luscious twist on the classic dessert. These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy and tangy lime filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday celebrations, or simply as a sweet escape at home, these Key Lime Pie Bars balance sweetness and tartness beautifully, providing a refreshing finish to your meal. Easy to prepare and oh-so-delicious, they are guaranteed to satisfy any dessert lover’s cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

15 sheets graham crackers
2 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
½ cup key lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the lined pan and bake for about 10 minutes.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix thoroughly.
Incorporate egg yolks one at a time, then add lime juice, zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the filling over the baked crust and return to the oven for an additional 15-18 minutes until set but not browned.
Cool completely before refrigerating for 2-4 hours. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American