Key Lime Pie Bars

These Key Lime Pie Bars are the perfect blend of tart and sweet, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, these bars are sure to impress. Their creamy texture and refreshing lime flavor will keep you coming back for more!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These key lime pie bars can be made in under an hour, making them a fantastic last-minute dessert option.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of fresh lime juice and zest gives these bars a bright tang that’s perfect for warm days.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, picnics, or even as a light after-dinner treat, these bars are suitable for any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these bars in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their delightful taste, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Zester

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and easy removal of your key lime pie bars.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency for the filling without much effort.

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: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the finely ground vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and light brown sugar.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish to form an even layer.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
3. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks until they become thick and pale in color.
2. Add in sweetened condensed milk and mix until well blended.
3. Stir in fresh lime juice and lime zest until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Bake Again

1. Pour the filling over your cooled crust evenly.
2. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until set.
3. Cool at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

Step 5: Prepare Topping

1. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
2. Spread or pipe whipped cream over chilled key lime pie bars before serving.

With these simple steps, you’ll have delicious Key Lime Pie Bars ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

These key lime pie bars are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will enhance the experience.

Chilled with Whipped Cream

• Serve each square topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added creaminess and sweetness.

Garnished with Lime Wedges

• Add a slice of lime on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor that complements the tanginess of the bars.

Drizzled with Lime Zest

• Sprinkle some additional lime zest on top for a pop of color and intensified lime flavor, making them visually appealing.

Paired with Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

Accompanied by Coconut Flakes

• Top with toasted coconut flakes to add a crunchy texture and tropical twist to your dessert.

Served in Individual Portions

• Cut the bars into smaller squares and serve them in mini dessert cups for easy handling at gatherings.

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How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars

To make sure your key lime pie bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. These pointers will help enhance both the flavor and presentation of your dessert.

• Use Fresh Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice improves the flavor significantly compared to bottled juice. The freshness adds vibrant acidity that enhances the overall taste.

• Chill Before Cutting: Allowing your bars to cool completely before cutting helps achieve clean edges. This step ensures that your squares look neat when served.

• Opt for Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality sweetened condensed milk and real vanilla wafers makes a noticeable difference in taste. Quality ingredients lead to a richer flavor profile.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so remove them from the oven when just set in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with key lime pie bars can create an exciting dining experience. Here are some delightful options that complement these tangy treats beautifully:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the tartness of the bars.

2. Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet dish enhances tropical flavors and pairs well with key lime desserts, creating harmony on your plate.

3. Tropical Smoothie: A smoothie made with banana, pineapple, and coconut milk provides a creamy balance that matches well with key lime pie bars.

4. Pineapple Salsa: A zesty salsa made from diced pineapples, red onion, and cilantro adds brightness and freshness that complements the bars’ flavors.

5. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: For those looking for something savory, grilled shrimp skewers seasoned with lime provide a delightful contrast to sweet desserts.

6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always welcomed alongside key lime pie bars, offering creaminess that balances out their tartness.

7. Mango Sorbet: This light and fruity dessert is perfect for summer and pairs wonderfully with key lime flavors while keeping things refreshing.

8. Limeade or Lemonade: Serve chilled beverages like homemade limeade or lemonade to enhance the citrus theme while keeping guests cool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making key lime pie bars can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to avoid them:

• Using stale cookies: Ensure your vanilla wafer cookies are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your crust.

• Overbaking the filling: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture instead of a smooth filling.

• Skipping the zest: Lime zest adds essential flavor. Don’t skip it; make sure to use fresh zest from key limes.

• Not chilling enough: Allow your key lime pie bars to cool completely before refrigerating. This helps them set properly and enhances their flavor.

• Ignoring toppings: Toppings like whipped cream or lime slices elevate the dessert. Don’t forget to add some for presentation!

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store key lime pie bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars

• Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds until just warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Key Lime Pie Bars different from regular key lime pie?

Key lime pie bars have a firmer texture due to their crust and filling ratio, making them easy to cut into squares, while traditional pies are usually softer and served in slices.

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

While you can use bottled lime juice, freshly squeezed juice gives a brighter and more authentic flavor, enhancing your dessert experience.

How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done baking?

They should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I customize my Key Lime Pie Bars?

Absolutely! You can add coconut flakes or even mix in berries for a unique twist. Just ensure any additions don’t overwhelm the key lime flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Key Lime Pie Bars are not only delightful but also versatile. Their sweet-tart balance makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer gathering or just a sweet treat at home. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or flavors! Try them today and enjoy this refreshing dessert that everyone will love!

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Key Lime Pie Bars

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• Author: Dina
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 bars 1x

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing delight of Key Lime Pie Bars, the perfect summer treat that combines a creamy texture with a tangy lime flavor. These easy-to-make bars are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon at home. With just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve them chilled with whipped cream or garnish with fresh lime for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this zesty dessert that’s as delicious as it is simple!

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 5 large egg yolks
• 22 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine ground vanilla wafers, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix well and press into the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden; let cool slightly.
3. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks until thick; blend in sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and zest.
4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set. Cool at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
5. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form; spread over chilled bars before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 110mg