Quick & Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe: A Sweet Citrus Delight

Whipping up a delightful key lime pie bars recipe brings zesty sunshine right into your kitchen.

Creamy and tangy flavors dance across your taste buds with each delectable bite.

Sweet graham cracker crusts provide a perfect crunch underneath smooth, silky filling.

Refreshing citrus notes transport you to tropical beaches with minimal effort.

Incredibly simple ingredients combine to create a dessert that impresses without complicated techniques.

No baking skills needed for this crowd-pleasing treat that comes together in minutes.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these bars capture classic key lime pie magic.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every incredible slice!

Why Key Lime Pie Bars Are a Refreshing Treat

• Breeze Through Preparation: Perfect for amateur bakers with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master without professional cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delivers tangy, sweet flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
• Quick Serving Solution: Bars are easy to slice, transport, and serve, eliminating the need for complicated plating or utensils during dessert time.
• Summer Sensation: Bright key lime flavor creates a refreshing dessert perfect for warm weather celebrations and outdoor events.

Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a classic foundation for the pie bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps create a cohesive and crisp crust that holds its shape.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds sweetness and smooth texture to the filling.
• Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help set the filling with a smooth, custard-like consistency.
• Key Lime Juice: Delivers the signature tangy and bright citrus flavor that defines these bars.
• Key Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and adds aromatic citrus notes to the filling.

• Powdered Sugar, Whipped Cream: Optional garnishes that add a sweet and light finishing touch to the bars.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Create Crumbly Crust Foundation

Grab your graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture feels like wet sand.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the delicious base for your bars.

Step 2: Whip Up Tangy Lime Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Egg yolks
• Fresh key lime juice
• Vibrant key lime zest

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture that promises a burst of tropical flavor.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the lime filling carefully over the prepared graham cracker crust. Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake until the filling sets and becomes slightly firm with a gentle jiggle in the center.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill for several hours.

This resting time helps the bars firm up and intensifies the lime flavor.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove the chilled bars from the refrigerator.

Using a sharp knife, cut into neat squares. The bars will reveal a beautiful layers of golden crust and bright green filling that screams summer freshness.

Tips for Key Lime Pie Bars Success

• Opt for fresh key lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more authentic citrus flavor that truly elevates the dessert.
• Gently zest limes carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, which can make the bars taste slightly harsh.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise slices that look professionally made.
• Consider topping with whipped cream or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and visual appeal.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to create smooth, clean cuts through the bars.

Creative Variations for Key Lime Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Key Lime Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Lime Dessert Squares: Swap condensed milk with coconut cream, use flax eggs instead of egg yolks, and utilize coconut oil for the crust.
• Tropical Coconut Lime Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crust and top with toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flavor.
• Low-Carb Lime Cheesecake Bars: Substitute graham crackers with crushed nuts, use sugar substitute, and incorporate cream cheese for a keto-friendly alternative.

Serving Ideas for Key Lime Pie Bars

• Tropical Picnic Delight: Pack these zesty bars in a cute container for a refreshing outdoor treat that's perfect for beach days or park gatherings.
• Summer Party Platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative tray with fresh mint leaves and lime slices for a stunning dessert presentation that'll impress guests.
• Brunch Elegance: Serve these bars alongside a light mimosa or coffee for a sophisticated weekend morning sweet that feels special and indulgent.
• Dessert Remix: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of texture and tropical flavor.

How to Store Key Lime Pie Bars Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect them from drying out and preserve their creamy texture.
• Avoid freezing key lime pie bars as the texture can become watery and grainy when thawed, compromising the smooth consistency.
• Reheat gently at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the chilled bars and enhance their flavor profile.

FAQs

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, more yellow-green, and have a more intense, tart flavor compared to standard Persian limes. They’re native to the Florida Keys and Mexico, offering a unique citrusy taste that’s crucial to authentic key lime pie.

• Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works perfectly fine. Look for 100% key lime juice in specialty stores or online. Fresh juice is ideal, but bottled juice ensures consistent flavor and saves time when preparing the bars.

• How do I know when the key lime bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges are slightly set and the center is just barely jiggly. The filling should look firm but not completely solid. Usually, this takes about 15-18 minutes in a preheated oven.

Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Key lime pie bars bring zesty Florida citrus to a classic dessert. Creamy filling and buttery graham cracker crust offer refreshing summer comfort you can savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Key Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs. Mix with granulated sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base layer using the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula.
4. Whisk egg yolks until smooth and pale, then incorporate sweetened condensed milk, stirring until fully integrated.
5. Add key lime juice and zest to the egg mixture, blending thoroughly to ensure a consistent, vibrant flavor profile.
6. Gently pour the lime-infused filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges should appear lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
9. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for 3-4 hours until fully set and firm.
10. Lift the bars out using parchment paper edges, slice into squares, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Swap regular graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version.
• Ensure key limes are fresh and ripe to maximize the tangy, bright flavor profile of the bars.
• Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges and prevent crumbling.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for smooth, professional-looking bar slices that showcase the creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg