Tangy Key Lime Pie Bars

$- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk - ¾ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - 4 large egg yolks - Zest of 2 limes - Pinch of salt The main ingredients bring a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The graham cracker crumbs form a crisp crust. The sweetened condensed milk adds richness, while the key lime juice gives that signature zing. Don't forget the egg yolks! They help set the filling. The lime zest adds a burst of fresh flavor. - Whipped cream for topping - Lime slices and zest for garnish Topping your bars with whipped cream adds a nice contrast to the tart filling. Lime slices and zest make the dish look fancy. These little touches make your dessert stand out. - Gluten-free graham cracker alternatives - Vegan options for sweetened condensed milk If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free graham crackers. These work great in the crust. For a vegan twist, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of sweetened condensed milk. You can still enjoy that creamy texture without dairy! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for baking. 2. In a medium bowl, combine these crust ingredients: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter - ¼ cup granulated sugar Mix until the crumbs look like wet sand. 3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup to make it even. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine these filling ingredients: - 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk - ¾ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - 4 large egg yolks - Zest of 2 limes - Pinch of salt Whisk them together until smooth. 2. Pour the key lime mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly. 1. Bake the filling in the oven for 15-20 minutes. It should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. 2. Let the bars cool at room temperature. After that, refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This step helps them firm up. To get the best texture, use 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs. The crumbs should feel like wet sand after mixing with ⅓ cup of melted butter and ¼ cup of sugar. This mix creates a rich crust. Press it firmly into your baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup for an even layer. Make sure every part is flat and smooth for the perfect bite. For real key lime taste, use freshly squeezed key lime juice. You need ¾ cup for the filling. Fresh juice gives a bright flavor that bottled juice can’t match. Adding the zest of 2 limes brings an extra zing. The zest adds a wonderful aroma and deeper taste. Together, these tips make your bars sing with flavor. Presentation matters! Arrange your key lime pie bars on a nice platter. Drizzle any leftover key lime filling around the edges. This adds flair and color. You can also top the bars with whipped cream for creaminess. Lime slices and zest make a great garnish too. For drinks, pair these bars with iced tea or a cool lemonade. These choices balance the tartness of the pie and make it a perfect treat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Key Limes: For the best flavor, opt for fresh key limes instead of bottled juice. They provide a vibrant taste that enhances the overall quality of your bars. Chill Thoroughly: Allow the pie bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to slice. Enhance with Garnishes: Adding whipped cream and lime zest on top not only looks appealing but also enhances the flavor profile of the key lime bars. Measure Accurately: Ensure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the lime juice and sweetened condensed milk, for the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. {{image_2}} For a gluten-free treat, use gluten-free graham crackers. I recommend brands like Schar or Kinnikinnick. They offer great taste and texture. You may need to adjust the amount of butter slightly. Start with the same amount and add more if needed. This helps bind the crumbs well. To make vegan key lime pie bars, swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream. You can blend silken tofu with a bit of maple syrup for creaminess too. Use cornstarch instead of egg yolks to help set the filling. This keeps the bars smooth and creamy without eggs. Want to add a twist? Try mixing in coconut flakes for a tropical touch. You can also add zest from oranges or lemons for more citrus flavor. For the crust, almond flour works well too. It gives a nutty taste that complements the key lime nicely. To keep your key lime pie bars fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from absorbing other smells. If you don’t have a container, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap. It’s best to store the bars in a single layer. If you stack them, place parchment paper between the layers. This avoids sticking and keeps them pretty. You can freeze key lime pie bars for later. To freeze them, first, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t lose their texture. When you want to enjoy them, take the bars out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps them creamy and tasty. Key lime pie bars can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Key lime pie bars stay good in the fridge for about a week. After a week, they may lose their taste and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the bars look dry or smell off, it’s best to toss them. Keeping an eye on your treats ensures every bite is as delicious as the first. Enjoy your key lime pie bars while they’re fresh! Yes, you can use regular limes. However, key limes have a unique flavor. They are smaller and more tart than regular limes. This tartness gives key lime pie bars their signature taste. If you use regular limes, the taste will be different but still good. These bars need to chill for at least 3 hours. This time allows them to set up properly. Chilling helps the filling firm up and makes cutting easier. If you want the best texture, chill them overnight. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Just cover them well to keep them from drying out. When you are ready to serve, slice and add toppings. This makes for an easy and tasty treat any time! In this blog post, I outlined how to make key lime pie bars. We covered key ingredients, like graham cracker crumbs and key lime juice, along with unique substitutions. You learned the steps for prepping, baking, and cooling the bars. I also included tips for perfecting flavor and creating variations. Lastly, I explained storage methods to keep your bars fresh. Enjoy these tasty treats any time, or share them with friends. Make key lime pie bars your own with the ideas I shared!$

Tangy Key Lime Pie Bars

Delicious and refreshing key lime pie bars with a graham cracker crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 3 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.33 cup melted unsalted butter
0.25 cup granulated sugar
28 oz sweetened condensed milk
0.75 cup key lime juice
4 large egg yolks
2 units zest of limes
1 pinch salt
1 serving whipped cream, for topping (optional)
1 serving lime slices and zest, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish to form a crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to create a smooth, even layer.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together until smooth and fully combined.
Pour the key lime mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, just until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until completely chilled and firm.
When ready to serve, slice into generous bars. If desired, top with whipped cream, and garnish with lime slices and additional zest.

Notes

Arrange the key lime pie bars on a decorative platter. Drizzle any leftover key lime filling around the edges for added flair and pop of color.

Keyword citrus, dessert, key lime, pie bars