Key Lime Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are accessible even for novice bakers.

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of key lime juice combined with the sweetness of condensed milk creates a harmonious flavor profile.

• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a make-ahead treat for parties.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable with various crust options or toppings to suit your preferences.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs

• Granulated sugar

• Unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Cream cheese, softened

• Key lime juice

• Lime zest

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream

• Lime slices or additional zest for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

3. Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

4. Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.

5. Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and top with whipped cream and lime slices or zest, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 16 bars

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: About 2 hours 35 minutes

Variations

• Crust Alternatives: Substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or Biscoff cookies for a different flavor.

• Citrus Twist: Replace key lime juice with lemon or orange juice for a new citrus experience.

• Tropical Flair: Add shredded coconut to the crust or sprinkle on top for a tropical touch.

• No-Bake Option: Use a no-bake crust and chill the filling until set, skipping the baking step.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

• Serving: These bars are best served chilled. Avoid reheating, as it may affect the texture of the filling.

FAQs

What is the difference between key limes and regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and have a more intense tart flavor compared to regular (Persian) limes.

Can I use bottled key lime juice?

Yes, bottled key lime juice can be used if fresh key limes are unavailable. Ensure it’s 100% juice without added sugars.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut to achieve clean slices.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?

Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and slight tang. However, you can omit it for a more traditional key lime pie filling.

What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?

Alternatives include digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or crushed shortbread cookies.

How do I know when the bars are set?

The edges should be firm, and the center should have a slight jiggle. They will firm up more upon chilling.

Can I add toppings to these bars?

Yes, toppings like whipped cream, lime zest, or a dusting of powdered sugar enhance the presentation and flavor.

Are these bars gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie Bars are a refreshing and delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of key limes with a sweet, creamy filling atop a buttery crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for various occasions, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the burst of citrusy goodness in every bite!

Key Lime Pie Bars

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Key Lime Pie Bars are a refreshing and creamy dessert featuring a tangy key lime filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for summer or any occasion.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup key lime juice

1 tbsp lime zest

Optional: whipped cream for topping

Optional: lime slices or additional zest for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
5. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
6. Lift bars out of the pan, cut into squares, and top with whipped cream and lime garnish if desired.

Notes

• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
• Bars can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
• For gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg