These Key Lime Pie Bars are a fun twist on the classic dessert. With a zesty lime filling on a buttery crust, they bring a burst of sunshine to your table!
They’re super easy to make, and I love how each bite is refreshing and tangy. Perfect for sharing or just enjoying by yourself—though I won’t tell if you keep them all! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are the foundation of your crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor. They create a crunchy, sweet base that complements the tangy filling.
Key Lime Juice: Fresh key limes provide the best flavor, but if they’re hard to find, regular limes will work too. Just keep in mind that the taste will be a bit different, with regular limes being a tad more tart.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient gives the bars their creamy texture and sweetness. Evaporated milk mixed with sugar can be a substitute, but it won’t be as rich. Just add a bit more sugar to match the sweetness.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For the topping, heavy cream creates a luscious, fluffy texture. You could swap it for coconut cream for a dairy-free option, which adds a nice flavor twist!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Filling Consistency?
Getting the filling right is key to these bars. Your sweetened condensed milk should be smooth, and you’ll want to whisk the key lime juice, egg yolks, and zest in thoroughly. Here are a few tips:
- Ensure your egg yolks are fully incorporated to avoid any separation.
- Don’t rush the mixing; whisk gently but thoroughly until smooth.
- Just like when baking cakes, overmixing can lead to a dense filling, so mix just until combined.
Once you pour it over the cooled crust, make sure it’s evenly spread for consistent baking. If it’s not set after the initial bake, you can always pop it back in for a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on it!
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Filling:
- 2 cups sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup fresh key lime juice (about 6-8 key limes)
- 3 large egg yolks
- Zest of 2 key limes
For The Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Zest from remaining key limes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 25-30 minutes for baking, and at least 2 hours for chilling. In total, you’ll have refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars ready in less than 3 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until it looks like wet sand. Next, take a greased 9×9 inch baking pan and firmly press this crumb mixture into the bottom to form a nice crust. Bake it in the oven for about 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for just a bit.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, egg yolks, and the zest of 2 key limes. Make sure everything is smooth and well mixed. After that, pour this tangy filling over your cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Pop it back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the filling is set. Once baked, let it cool down to room temperature, then place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill.
3. Create the Topping:
After your bars have chilled, it’s time to make the topping! In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. When your bars are ready, spread the whipped cream generously over the top. For that finishing touch, sprinkle some zest from the remaining key limes on top before cutting the bars into squares. Serve and enjoy your delightful Key Lime Pie Bars!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! While Key limes give a unique flavor, regular limes can be used as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the taste will be a bit different, and you may want to adjust the sweetness depending on how tart the limes are.
How Do I Prevent the Crust from Getting Soggy?
To keep the crust crispy, make sure to bake it until it’s lightly golden before adding the filling. You can also consider pre-baking it a little longer if it’s looking too pale. Allow the crust to cool completely before pouring in the filling – this helps prevent sogginess!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Definitely! These Key Lime Pie Bars are perfect for making ahead. Prepare them up to the point of adding the whipped cream topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add the whipped cream just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Enjoy them chilled, as they’re even better when cold!
