These Key Lime Pie Bars are a zesty treat with a tasty graham cracker crust! They are creamy, tart, and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for sunny days!
I love how easy these bars are to whip up. Just mix, bake, and chill! Now, who can resist a slice of refreshingly tangy pie goodness? 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These are key for the crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed cookies like vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives your filling a creamy texture and sweetness. If you need a dairy-free option, look for coconut condensed milk which works surprisingly well.
Key Lime Juice: Fresh is best for that tart flavor, but you can use regular lime juice if key limes are hard to find. Just know that it’ll be slightly less tangy!
Egg Yolks: They help to create a rich filling. If you’re avoiding eggs, consider using a commercial egg replacer or silken tofu blended until smooth, which may alter the texture slightly.
How Do You Get a Perfectly Baked Filling?
Getting the filling just right is crucial for a perfect Key Lime Pie Bar. Here are some tips:
- When whipping the filling ingredients, whisk until smooth but avoid over-mixing to keep the texture light.
- Bake until it’s just set but still has a little jiggle in the middle. This ensures it won’t be too firm once chilled.
- Let your bars cool at room temperature first before refrigerating. This helps them set evenly without cracks.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Filling:
- 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 4 large egg yolks
- Zest of 1 lime
For The Topping:
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Lime zest (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes of prep time, then you’ll need to bake for about 25-30 minutes. After baking, let the bars cool for an hour, plus 4 hours in the fridge to chill. So, plan around 5 hours in total before serving—you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8 inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang. This will help you lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are moistened and look like wet sand.
2. Bake the Crust:
Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a bit.
3. Make the Key Lime Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and combined. It’s going to smell amazing!
4. Bake the Filling:
Now, pour the lime filling over your cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake the pan for about 15-20 minutes. You want the filling to be set but still a little jiggly in the center—that’s just perfect!
5. Cool and Chill:
Once done, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about an hour. After that, pop them in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or longer if you can wait) until they are completely chilled and set.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy these tasty bars, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper flaps. Cut into squares, and top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Yes, you can use regular limes if key limes are not available! While the flavor will be slightly different—less tart and more acidic—it will still work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the amount of lime zest according to your preference for flavor.
Can I Use Light Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Absolutely! Light sweetened condensed milk can be used as a substitute. The texture and sweetness remain similar, but keep in mind that it might slightly alter the richness of the filling.
How Should I Store Leftover Key Lime Pie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep the bars covered to maintain their freshness. If you want to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make these bars gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie crust. Just be sure that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination!
