Key Lime Pie Bars
These Key Lime Pie Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness. Easy to prepare, these bars are ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home. The refreshing lime flavor and creamy texture make them a standout dessert for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Refreshing Flavor: The zesty key lime juice delivers a tangy punch that’s perfect for hot days.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, potlucks, or as a simple indulgence after dinner.
- No-Bake Option: While they do require some baking, the bars chill in the fridge, making them easy to prepare ahead.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bars appeal to both citrus lovers and those who enjoy creamy desserts.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Key Lime Pie Bars, having the right tools will simplify the process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or grater
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for even baking and cutting into squares.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring smooth mixing of ingredients.
Ingredients
These perfectly tart and tangy key lime pie bars are a breeze to make and are delicious served straight from the fridge on a hot summer day!
For the Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely ground (250 g)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon lime zest, packed (6-7 key limes)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 22 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can and ¾ cup from 2nd can)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
For the Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground vanilla wafer cookies with melted butter and light brown sugar.
- Mix until all the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
- Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks until they are well combined.
- Add sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest; mix until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over your cooled crust.
Step 5: Bake Again
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until set. Remove and let cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Step 6: Prepare Whipped Cream Topping
- Use an electric mixer to beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread this whipped cream generously over chilled key lime filling before serving.
Now you have delicious Key Lime Pie Bars ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars are a refreshing treat perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or cozy family dinners. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries: Juicy and sweet, they balance the tartness of the key lime.
- Raspberries: Their slight bitterness complements the creamy filling beautifully.
- Blueberries: These add a pop of color and a burst of flavor when served alongside.
Top with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds richness and lightens the dessert.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or coconut extract for an extra twist.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic and creamy, it pairs perfectly with the tangy bars.
- Coconut Ice Cream: For a tropical touch that enhances the key lime flavor.
Drizzle with Lime Zest
- Zest Garnish: Shaving fresh lime zest over each square provides a vibrant look and an extra zing.
Enjoy with Iced Tea
- Sweetened Iced Tea: The sweetness balances the tartness of the bars, making for a refreshing drink pairing.
- Mint Iced Tea: Adding mint can elevate the experience and give a cool touch on hot days.
How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
Achieving the perfect key lime pie bars requires attention to detail and some expert tips. Here are ways to ensure your dessert turns out incredible every time.
- Use fresh limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances flavor significantly compared to bottled juice.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing bars to chill for several hours ensures they set up properly and develop their full flavor.
- Finely grind cookies: Ensure your vanilla wafer cookies are finely ground for a smooth crust that holds together well.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; underbaking can lead to a runny texture, while overbaking can dry them out.
- Cool before cutting: Let your bars cool completely before cutting them into squares for clean edges and better presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars
Key lime pie bars can be paired with various side dishes that complement their zesty flavors. Here are some great suggestions to consider:
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp add a savory contrast that’s perfect before dessert.
- Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet side echoes tropical notes that enhance the key lime flavor.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of pineapple, mango, and papaya brings freshness that pairs well with key lime’s tartness.
- Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado mixed with citrus dressing creates a smooth texture that balances acidity.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch, providing a nice textural contrast.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a classic taste that complements desserts beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Key Lime Pie Bars is easy, but some common mistakes can lead to disappointing results.
- Using the wrong type of limes: Always use key limes for the best flavor. If unavailable, regular limes can work in a pinch, but they may alter the taste slightly.
- Overbaking the filling: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. Overbaking can make them tough, so remove them when the center is just set.
- Skipping the chilling time: These bars need time to chill in the fridge. Skipping this step can result in a soft texture that won’t hold its shape.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is crucial in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right amount of each ingredient.
- Using warm butter for crust: Make sure your melted butter has cooled slightly before mixing it with the crumbs. This prevents the crust from becoming greasy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Key Lime Pie Bars in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes. This helps restore some freshness.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for 15-20 seconds. Check to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat and warm bars gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Key Lime Pie Bars that might help you perfect your recipe!
What makes Key Lime Pie Bars different from traditional key lime pie?
Key Lime Pie Bars have a crust and filling similar to traditional pie but are cut into squares for easier serving and enjoyment.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, bottled lime juice can be used as a substitute if necessary. However, it may not have the same tartness.
How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done baking?
The edges should be set, while the center will still look slightly jiggly. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Are there variations I can try with Key Lime Pie Bars?
Absolutely! You can add coconut for a tropical twist or mix in some crushed berries for added flavor and color.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute vanilla wafer cookies with gluten-free cookies or crushed nuts as a base for a gluten-free version of these delicious bars.
Final Thoughts
These Key Lime Pie Bars are perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion where you crave something refreshing. Their balance of tartness and sweetness makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or mix-ins like coconut flakes or fresh fruit to make them truly your own!
Key Lime Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Pie Bars, a perfect dessert to brighten up your summer gatherings. These bars offer a luscious balance of tangy key lime flavor and creamy texture, all atop a crumbly vanilla wafer crust. With minimal prep time, they are easy to whip up for picnics or cozy evenings at home. Topped with homemade whipped cream and garnished with fresh lime zest, these bars are not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re a citrus lover or simply looking for a cool dessert option, these Key Lime Pie Bars will surely impress and satisfy your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely ground vanilla wafer cookies
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 5 large egg yolks
- 22 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground vanilla wafers, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until golden and let it cool.
- Whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and zest until smooth; pour over cooled crust.
- Bake again for 20 minutes until set; cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
- For the topping, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form and spread over chilled bars before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
