Key Lime Pie Bars

$- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ¼ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk - ½ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice) - 2 large eggs - Zest of 2 limes - 1 cup whipped cream (for topping) - Lime slices (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making tasty key lime pie bars. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy crust. Use unsalted butter for a rich flavor. Sweetened condensed milk provides creaminess and sweetness. Fresh key lime juice gives that bright tangy flavor we love. Make sure to zest two limes for a burst of citrus flavor. The eggs help set the filling, giving it a silky texture. Topping the bars with whipped cream adds a light finish. Finally, garnish with lime slices for a pretty look. As you gather these ingredients, feel free to get creative. You can switch lime juice types or add your favorite toppings. This recipe is versatile, so enjoy making it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prep the baking pan: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later. 2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter: In a medium bowl, add 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs look like wet sand. 3. Press the mixture into the baking pan and bake: Take your crumb mix and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake it for 8 to 10 minutes. It should be set and lightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool a bit. 1. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, eggs, and zest: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of fresh key lime juice, 2 large eggs, and the zest of 2 limes. Mix until it is smooth. 2. Pour the filling over the crust and bake: Pour this lime mixture over your cooled crust. Spread it evenly. Bake again for 15 to 18 minutes. It should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. 1. Cool, refrigerate, and cut into squares: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This makes them firm. 2. Top with whipped cream and garnish: After chilling, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares. Top each square with 1 cup of whipped cream and a slice of lime for a fresh touch. To get the best texture for your key lime pie bars, remember a few key points. First, do not overbake the crust. Bake it just until it becomes lightly golden, around 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and sets the stage for a great bar. When it comes to the filling, aim for a smooth texture. Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, eggs, and zest until you see no lumps. This makes sure each bite is creamy and full of flavor. If the filling is too thick, it may not set properly. Presentation makes a big difference. For garnishing, add lime slices on each bar. This adds a pop of color and a fresh touch. You can also sprinkle a little lime zest over the whipped cream for extra flair. For serving, arrange the bars on a nice platter. You could use a colorful plate to make the green and white colors stand out. Place a dollop of whipped cream on each bar. This not only looks good but adds a creamy texture that everyone will love. Pro Tips Use Fresh Limes: For the best flavor, opt for fresh key limes or regular limes instead of bottled juice. Fresh juice gives the bars a bright and zesty taste. Chill Thoroughly: After baking, ensure you chill the bars for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares. Perfect Crust: Press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan for a sturdy base. This helps prevent the crust from crumbling when you cut the bars. Garnish Elegantly: Top each bar with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a slice of lime. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a refreshing touch. {{image_2}} You can play with flavors in your key lime pie bars. Using regular lime juice gives a different taste than key lime juice. Key limes are small and tart, while regular limes are a bit sweeter. If you want a more intense lime flavor, stick with key lime juice. You can also add toppings like coconut or berries. Coconut gives a tropical twist. Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the whipped cream for extra crunch. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries add color and a burst of flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite topping! If you need gluten-free options, make the crust with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. These work just like regular crumbs. You can also try almond flour for a nutty taste. For dairy-free alternatives, use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk. This gives a creamy texture without dairy. Make sure to check labels for any hidden dairy ingredients when choosing your products. These swaps help everyone enjoy this treat! To keep your key lime pie bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also cover the dish with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh for up to five days in the fridge. Freezing key lime pie bars is easy. First, let the bars cool completely after baking. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps to keep them fresh. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, simply remove them from the freezer. Place them in the fridge for a few hours. You can also thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy the bars as a quick treat any time! What is the difference between key lime and regular lime? Key limes are smaller and have a stronger flavor. They are more tart than regular limes. Key limes are often used for pies due to their unique taste. Regular limes are larger and milder. Both can be used, but key limes give the best flavor for this recipe. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Just cool and refrigerate them. They taste better after chilling for at least two hours. Make them a day in advance for a great treat. This saves time on the day you want to serve them. How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. They will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted near the edge. Key lime pie bars are a delightful treat that's simple to make. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and essential tips for perfect results. The variations allow you to customize your bars to suit any taste. Lastly, proper storage ensures they stay fresh longer. Enjoy making these bars, share them with friends, and savor the bright lime flavor!$

Delicious and tangy key lime pie bars with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and lime slices.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 28

Total Time 2 48

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.25 cups granulated sugar
0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
1 can (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
0.5 cups fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
2 large eggs
2 limes zest of
1 cup whipped cream (for topping)
lime slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are moist and resemble wet sand.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set and lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, eggs, and lime zest until smooth and well combined.
Pour the lime mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly to cover. Bake again for 15-18 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours for the bars to firm up.
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and top with whipped cream.
Garnish each bar with a slice of lime for an added touch and a zest of freshness.

Notes

Arrange the bars on a beautiful platter, garnished with additional lime zest for color, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream on each bar for an elegant touch.

Keyword citrus, dessert, key lime, pie bars