Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Bliss

Summers call for delightful key lime pie bars that burst with zesty tropical flavors.

Cool citrus notes dance across a buttery graham cracker crust, promising refreshing bites.

Sweet-tart magic awaits in each creamy square, tempting dessert enthusiasts.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Tropical vibes emerge through simple whisking and layering steps.

Crisp graham edges contrast smooth lime-kissed filling perfectly.

You’ll discover a no-bake wonder that chills quickly and impresses everyone.

Dive into this effortless treat that screams sunshine and relaxation.

Key Lime Pie Bars (Easy) Leftover Care Instructions

• Store leftover key lime pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 months.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.
• Enjoy chilled straight from the refrigerator, adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Things to Enjoy With Key Lime Pie Bars

• Pair Zesty Citrus Cocktail: Mix vodka, fresh key lime juice, and simple syrup for a vibrant drink that complements the pie's tangy profile.
• Refresh with Tropical Sorbet: Serve a light coconut or pineapple sorbet alongside the bars to balance the creamy, tart dessert.
• Create Creamy Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth cold brew or cappuccino to cut through the pie's richness and enhance its sweet-tart flavors.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with citrusy notes that harmonize with the key lime's brightness.

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Makeovers

• Gluten-Free Zinger: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free almond cookies or gluten-free graham-style crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Dream: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, use flax egg instead of egg yolks, and opt for vegan butter in the crust.
• Tropical Coconut Remix: Add shredded coconut to the crust mixture and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flavor.
• Low-Carb Lime Sensation: Substitute graham cracker base with an almond flour and butter crust, use a sugar-free sweetener, and reduce overall carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• What makes key lime pie bars different from traditional key lime pie?

Key lime pie bars are easier to serve and eat, with a convenient bar format that’s perfect for parties and potlucks. They have the same tangy, creamy flavor as traditional pie but in a more portable and shareable form.

• Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can substitute regular limes for key limes. While key limes have a more intense and slightly more tart flavor, regular limes will still create a delicious dessert. Just use the same amount of juice and zest called for in the recipe.

• How do I know when the bars are properly baked?

The filling should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken. Overbaking can cause the bars to become dry or crack, so watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

No special equipment is needed. You’ll just require a basic 8×8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and standard kitchen utensils like a whisk and measuring cups.

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Promise Zesty, Creamy Satisfaction

• Whip Up Quickly: Super fast dessert that takes less than an hour to prepare from start to finish.
• Create Effortlessly: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring minimal baking skills and simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Summer Party Perfect: Refreshing, tangy key lime bars are ideal for potlucks, picnics, and outdoor gatherings with their bright, zesty flavor and easy-to-serve format.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Compact bar style makes these desserts easy to transport, share, and enjoy without messy cutting or complicated serving techniques.

Key Lime Pie Bar Parts In Focus

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, crunchy base for the pie bars with a sweet, graham flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps crisp and hold the crust, offering rich, buttery notes.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture and adds sweetness to the filling.
• Fresh Key Lime Juice: Delivers bright, tangy citrus flavor essential to the pie's character.
• Key Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime flavor with natural oils and adds subtle green flecks.
• Egg Yolks: Helps thicken and set the filling, providing a rich, custard-like consistency.

• Whipped Cream: Optional light and airy topping that complements the tart lime filling.

Key Lime Pie Bars Easy Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a solid base for your bars.

Step 3: Bake Crust Foundation

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it turns slightly golden and feels firm.

Remove and let it cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Whip Up Tangy Filling

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

Blend all ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 5: Bake Pie Bars

Pour the vibrant lime filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper.

Slice into squares and top with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Serve chilled and enjoy the zesty, creamy treat.

Key Lime Bars With A Pro-Approved Finish

• Use the back of a measuring cup or flat-bottomed glass to firmly and evenly press graham cracker mixture into the pan, creating a compact base for perfect texture.
• Grate key lime zest carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath, to maximize bright citrus flavor without unwanted bitterness.
• Whisk ingredients thoroughly and gently to prevent air bubbles, ensuring a silky, creamy filling that sets beautifully.
• Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating, which helps prevent condensation and maintains the ideal bar consistency.
• Wipe your knife clean between cuts and use a sharp knife to create clean, precise edges when serving the key lime bars.

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty key lime pie bars bring sunshine from Florida’s groves to your dessert table. Creamy filling nestled in buttery graham cracker crust offers refreshing citrus comfort you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 14-ounce (396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Topping Ingredients:

• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand, then firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan to create an even, compact crust.
3. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn golden brown, then remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until well blended, creating a smooth base for the filling.
5. Incorporate key lime juice and zest into the milk mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the citrusy flavors evenly throughout the filling.
6. Gently pour the key lime filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an uniform layer that covers the entire surface of the crust.
7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching carefully until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize and set properly.
9. Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up and develop a clean, crisp texture.
10. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into neat squares.
11. Optional: Garnish with a delicate dollop of whipped cream just before serving to add a light, creamy finish.

Notes

• Achieve a perfectly crisp crust by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, ensuring no loose crumbs remain.
• Maximize key lime flavor by using fresh key lime juice and zest, which provides a more vibrant and authentic tangy taste compared to bottled juice.
• Prevent cracking in the filling by avoiding overbaking; remove from oven when the center is just slightly jiggly, as it will continue setting while cooling.
• Transform this dessert into a gluten-free option by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg