Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars

$To make your Key Lime Pie Bars, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ⅓ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 6-8 key limes) - Zest of 2 key limes - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Whipped cream, for serving (optional) - Lime slices, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The graham cracker crumbs form a sweet and crispy crust, while the melted butter helps bind it. The sugar adds sweetness, and eggs give the bars a nice texture. Sweetened condensed milk provides creaminess, and key lime juice brings that zesty flavor. The lime zest enhances the taste, and vanilla adds depth. Want to switch things up? Here are some fun options: - Coconut: Add shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical twist. - Berry Topping: Top the bars with fresh berries for a fruity contrast. - Dairy-Free Milk: Use a dairy-free condensed milk for a vegan option. - Other Citrus: Try lemon or orange juice for a different flavor profile. These alternatives let you customize your bars based on your mood or dietary needs. Enjoy exploring these variations! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat is key for baking. Next, grab an 8x8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. Now, let’s make the crust. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ⅓ cup of granulated sugar. Stir well until it’s all combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan. Aim for a nice, even layer. Bake this crust for 8 to 10 minutes until it turns golden brown. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a bit. For the filling, find a separate mixing bowl. Whisk together 2 large eggs, 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, and ½ cup of fresh key lime juice. Add the zest from 2 key limes and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended. Now, pour this filling over your cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Make sure you cover the crust well. Time to bake! Place the pan in the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. You want the filling to set. It should jiggle a little in the center. When it’s ready, take it out of the oven. Let the bars cool down to room temperature. After that, chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you can wait. Once they are set and chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares or rectangles. To make a sturdy graham cracker crust, use fresh crumbs. Crush them finely. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and sugar. This blend binds the crust well. Press the mixture firmly into the baking pan. Make sure to press it evenly across the bottom. This helps the crust hold its shape when baked. For the perfect filling texture, blend all filling ingredients well. Use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor. The filling should be smooth and creamy. When you pour it over the crust, it should spread easily. The filling is ready when it sets but still has a slight jiggle in the center. This means it will firm up as it cools. For garnish and presentation, top each bar with whipped cream. A slice of lime adds a nice touch. You can serve these bars cold or at room temperature. They pair well with iced tea or soda. The bright flavors make them refreshing on a warm day. Consider serving them with a light dessert wine for a fun twist. Pro Tips Use Fresh Key Limes: For the best flavor, opt for fresh key limes instead of bottled juice. The zest and juice from fresh limes will elevate the taste of your pie bars. Chill Thoroughly: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Chilling them for at least 2 hours helps them set properly and enhances the flavors. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly, or balance it with more lime juice for a tart kick. Serve with Toppings: Enhance the presentation and flavor by serving the bars with whipped cream and lime slices. This adds a delightful contrast to the zesty filling. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your Key Lime Pie Bars easily. Use other citrus juices like lemon or orange. They will add a fresh twist. You can also mix in some zest from other fruits. Try grapefruit for a unique flavor. Toppings can enhance the bars too. Add fresh berries or toasted coconut for extra fun. Whipped cream is a classic topping. You can also try crushed graham crackers on top. Making these bars gluten-free is simple. Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. To make them dairy-free, swap the sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk. For a lower-sugar option, use a sugar substitute in the filling. You can use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These changes keep the taste great while meeting your dietary needs. Serving these bars in jars makes them fun and portable. Layer the crust and filling in small jars for cute treats. You can also serve them on a platter with lime slices. Garnish each piece with whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest. This adds color and flair to your dessert display. To keep your key lime pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. I like to use a glass container with a tight lid. These containers keep the bars moist and tasty. If you do not have a glass container, plastic containers work too. Just ensure they seal well. Always keep the bars in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor. You can freeze key lime pie bars for later use. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out any air. This will help prevent freezer burn. To thaw, take the bars out and place them in the fridge overnight. This keeps their texture smooth and creamy. These bars last in the refrigerator for about one week. Look for signs of spoilage, like a change in color or smell. If they start to smell sour or look off, it is best to toss them. Always trust your senses! Enjoying these bars fresh will give you the best taste experience. Yes, you can use regular limes. Key limes have a unique flavor. They are smaller, sweeter, and more tart than regular limes. Regular limes have a bright flavor but are less sweet. Using them will change the taste of your bars but can still be delicious. I recommend chilling the bars for at least two hours. This time helps the filling set. It also allows the flavors to meld. For the best taste and texture, chill them overnight if you can. Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making in advance. You can prepare them a day or two before you plan to serve. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, they stay fresh and ready to enjoy. You have learned how to make key lime pie bars, covering ingredients, preparation, baking, and more. With tips on perfecting your crust and variations for dietary needs, you can customize these treats. Remember to store them properly to enjoy later. Whether you choose to create a classic or a unique version, the results can satisfy any sweet tooth. I hope you feel confident to try making these delicious bars yourself. Enjoy every bite!$

Delicious and tangy key lime pie bars with a graham cracker crust.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
0.33 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
0.5 cups fresh key lime juice
2 zest key limes
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
to taste whipped cream, for serving (optional)
to taste lime slices, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and just slightly jiggles in the center.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) until completely chilled.
Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles.
Serve chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of lime for garnish.

Notes

Chill the bars for a firmer texture before serving.

Keyword bars, citrus, dessert, key lime pie