Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these key lime pie bars! They’re the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a buttery graham cracker crust that just melts in your mouth. Honestly, nothing beats that first bite—the zing of key lime juice paired with the creamy filling is just heavenly! I first stumbled upon this recipe during a summer BBQ, and I’ve been hooked ever since. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a fantastic go-to for gatherings or just a special treat for yourself. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll be dreaming about them long after they’re gone! They truly bring a taste of the tropics right to your kitchen.
Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Bars
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best key lime pie bars! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: You can use store-bought crumbs or crush whole graham crackers until fine. This will form the base of your bars and give them that classic flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Make sure it’s unsalted for better control of the sweetness. This binds the crust together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the crust and balance out the tangy filling.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: This is the star of the filling! It adds creaminess and sweetness that’s oh-so-delicious.
- 1/2 cup key lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works in a pinch. It’s what gives these bars their signature tartness!
- 3 large egg yolks: These add richness and help set the filling, making it smooth and luscious.
- 1 tablespoon lime zest: Don’t skip this! The zest brings out the lime flavor and adds a lovely fragrance.
With these ingredients ready to go, you’re one step closer to making the most delightful key lime pie bars! Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Key Lime Pie Bars
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Preparing these key lime pie bars is super simple, and I promise the end result is so worth it. Here’s how to do it:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix it all together until it resembles wet sand.
- Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s packed tight—this crust needs to hold up!
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, just until it’s slightly golden. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes.
- While that crust is cooling, grab another bowl and whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest. The mixture should be smooth and creamy—don’t you just love that color?
- Pour this tangy filling over your cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Pop it back in the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. You want to see the filling set, but it should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out.
- Once baked, let the bars cool at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill them for at least 2 hours before slicing. I know, it’s hard to wait, but trust me!
And there you have it! You’ve just created a batch of refreshing key lime pie bars that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process—your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for when you need a dessert in a pinch!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors that’s sure to brighten any day.
- Buttery graham cracker crust that adds the perfect crunch to the creamy filling.
- Great for gatherings, BBQs, or just a tasty treat at home!
- Can easily be doubled for larger crowds or special occasions.
Tips for Success
To make your key lime pie bars truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, always use fresh key lime juice if you can—it makes a world of difference in flavor. If you’re short on time, bottled juice will work, but be sure to choose a quality brand. Keep an eye on the baking time for the filling; it should be set but still slightly jiggly when you pull it out of the oven. For serving, a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest elevate these bars beautifully. And don’t forget to chill them long enough; the flavors meld together perfectly when they’re fully cooled. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about these delicious key lime pie bars, so let’s tackle a few common ones!
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! While key limes give that unique flavor, regular limes will work just fine. Just expect a slightly different taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re actually even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just make sure to keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream mixed with a bit of sugar. It’ll give you that creamy texture while adding a hint of tropical flavor!
Can I freeze key lime pie bars?
Definitely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Nutritional Information for Key Lime Pie Bars
These key lime pie bars are not only delicious but also a treat you can enjoy without too much guilt! Each bar contains approximately 180 calories, 9g of fat, 2g of protein, and 24g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your key lime pie bars fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days, but trust me, they might not last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for about two months. When you’re ready to indulge, just pull them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—serve them chilled and enjoy that refreshing flavor!
Serving Suggestions
These key lime pie bars are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate your dessert game, consider serving them with a few tasty accompaniments! A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lovely creaminess, while some fresh mint leaves can bring a pop of color and freshness. For drinks, try pairing them with a refreshing iced tea or a zesty mojito to complement those citrusy flavors. Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven!

Key Lime Pie Bars: 7 Easy Steps to Pure Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 16 bars 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious key lime pie bars with a buttery crust and tangy filling.
Składniki
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
- In another bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Uwagi
- For a sweeter version, add more sugar to the filling.
- Garnish with whipped cream and lime slices if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bar
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 12g
- Sód: 90mg
- Kwasy: 9g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 24g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: key lime pie bars