These Key Lime Pie Bars are a refreshing treat that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness. Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply as a delightful dessert at home, these bars will impress with their creamy texture and bright flavor. They are easy to make and sure to please everyone!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Prep Time – With just 25 minutes of prep, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
Refreshing Flavor – The tangy key lime juice combined with rich cream creates a mouthwatering taste that’s perfect for warm days.
Versatile Treat – These bars are great for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.
No Special Skills Required – Even novice bakers can create stunning results with this simple recipe.
Make Ahead Option – Prepare the bars in advance and chill them for an easy dessert ready when you are.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Zester
Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 inch baking pan – Perfect size for making the bars even and easy to cut into squares.
Electric mixer – Helps achieve a creamy filling by thoroughly mixing the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk.

Ingredients

These perfectly tart and tangy key lime pie bars are a breeze to make and are delicious served straight from the fridge on a hot summer day!

For the Crust

2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely ground (250 g)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons light brown sugar

For the Filling

1 tablespoon lime zest, packed (6-7 key limes)
5 large egg yolks
22 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can and ¾ cup from 2nd can)
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

For the Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground vanilla wafers, melted butter, and light brown sugar.
Mix until well combined.
Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the lime zest and egg yolks until blended.
Gradually add in sweetened condensed milk while continuing to whisk.
Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice until smooth.

Step 4: Pour Filling Over Crust

Once your crust has cooled slightly, pour the lime mixture over it, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Bake Again

Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 15-20 minutes or until set. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least two hours.

Step 7: Whip Cream for Topping

In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
Add powdered sugar gradually while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form.

Step 8: Serve Your Bars

Cut into squares, top with whipped cream, serve chilled, and enjoy your delicious Key Lime Pie Bars!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you serve them at a summer barbecue or a casual get-together, these bars are sure to impress.

With Fresh Fruit

Strawberries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries for a sweet contrast to the tangy bars.
Raspberries: Their tartness complements the key lime flavor beautifully.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds richness and balances the tanginess.
Flavored Whipped Cream: Try coconut or vanilla-flavored whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.

With Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the tangy bars.
Lime Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, serve with lime sorbet for an extra kick of citrus.

Drizzled with Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of dark chocolate adds a decadent touch to each square.
White Chocolate Ganache: For a sweeter option, try white chocolate ganache drizzled over the top.

How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars

Creating perfect key lime pie bars requires attention to detail and a few tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

Use Fresh Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice gives your bars the bright, zesty flavor they need. Bottled juice lacks the same freshness and taste.
Chill Before Serving: Allow your key lime pie bars to chill in the fridge for several hours after baking. This helps them set properly and enhances their flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture; aim for just set edges with a slight jiggle in the center.
Add Zest for Extra Flavor: Incorporating lime zest into both the filling and crust increases the lime flavor and adds a beautiful texture.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars

When serving key lime pie bars, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a light and refreshing accompaniment to rich desserts.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add another layer of tropical flavor that pairs nicely with key lime.
Grilled Pineapple: Grilling brings out the sweetness in pineapple, making it a delicious side dish that complements citrus desserts well.
Mini Cheesecakes: Offering mini cheesecakes adds variety and richness alongside your key lime pie bars.
Pistachio Crumble: A crunchy pistachio topping brings texture and nutty flavors that contrast beautifully with creamy desserts.
Lemon Sorbet: Similar in flavor profile, lemon sorbet provides an icy refreshment that enhances the overall citrus experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Key Lime Pie Bars can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

Using stale cookies: Always check the freshness of your vanilla wafer cookies. Stale cookies can ruin the crust’s texture.
Not measuring ingredients properly: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate quantities for the best flavor.
Overbaking the filling: Keep an eye on the bake time. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling, so remove it when it’s slightly jiggly in the center.
Skipping the chilling step: Allow your bars to chill completely before cutting. This ensures cleaner slices and enhances flavor.
Ignoring lime juice quality: Use fresh lime juice for the best taste. Bottled juice lacks the bright flavor of fresh limes.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking often to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, warming gently until desired temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Key Lime Pie Bars, here are some common questions answered.

Can I use bottled lime juice for Key Lime Pie Bars?

While you can use bottled lime juice, fresh lime juice provides a much brighter and more authentic flavor.

How do I make my Key Lime Pie Bars more tart?

To increase tartness, add a bit more lime juice or zest according to your taste preference.

Are Key Lime Pie Bars gluten-free?

Using gluten-free wafers can make this recipe gluten-free. Just check labels on your ingredients!

What toppings go well with Key Lime Pie Bars?

Whipped cream, fresh lime slices, or toasted coconut are delicious toppings that enhance flavor and presentation.

Final Thoughts

These Key Lime Pie Bars are not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or adjust the sweetness to match your taste. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dessert at home, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them!

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Key Lime Pie Bars

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of these Key Lime Pie Bars, a perfect summer dessert that combines the tangy zest of key limes with a sweet and creamy filling. These bars are not only easy to make but also deliver a delightful balance of tart and sweet that will impress family and friends at any gathering. With a buttery vanilla wafer crust and a light, airy whipped cream topping, they are sure to become your go-to summer treat. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoyed at home, these Key Lime Pie Bars are a refreshing way to cool off during warm days.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine ground vanilla wafers, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl; press into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together lime zest and egg yolks; blend in sweetened condensed milk followed by lime juice until smooth.
Pour the filling over the crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set with a slight jiggle.
Cool at room temperature then refrigerate for at least two hours.
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form; top bars before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American