Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars

$- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ⅓ cup granulated sugar Graham cracker crumbs form the base. They give a nice crunch. Melted unsalted butter helps hold the crust together. Sugar adds sweetness to balance the flavors. - 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk - ½ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed preferred) - 4 large egg yolks - Zest of 2 key limes - Pinch of salt The sweetened condensed milk gives the filling creaminess. Fresh key lime juice brings zesty flavor. Egg yolks help set the filling. Lime zest enhances the taste. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. - Whipped cream - Key lime slices for garnish Whipped cream adds a light touch. Key lime slices can make it look pretty. These toppings are not just for looks; they enhance the taste, too. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your crust cooks evenly. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ⅓ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until everything combines well. Next, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish. Aim for an even layer. This crust will be the base for your tasty bars. Now, place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake the crust for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want it to turn lightly golden. When it looks ready, take it out and let it cool slightly. This cooling time helps it firm up for the filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of key lime juice, 4 large egg yolks, the zest of 2 key limes, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to whisk until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This will give the filling its rich flavor and texture. Next, pour the key lime filling over your cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Bake the bars in the oven again for 15 to 18 minutes. You want the filling to be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. This means they are just right! After baking, remove the bars from the oven. Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After this, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to help them set fully. Once chilled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. You can top each bar with whipped cream and a slice of key lime if you like. This adds a nice touch for serving! To make the crust firm, press the mixture tightly. Use a flat-bottomed cup to help. This helps it hold together when you cut the bars. If you want a fun twist, try using crushed vanilla wafers or oats instead of graham crackers. These can add a unique flavor. When using fresh key lime juice, taste for the right tartness. Fresh juice brings bright flavor. Always strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth filling. To avoid a rubbery texture, do not overbake the filling. It should jiggle slightly when you take it out. For a fun touch, top your bars with whipped cream. You can also add key lime slices for decoration. Serve these bars chilled with iced tea or a fruity soda. They pair well with coconut water too, for a refreshing drink. Pro Tips Fresh Key Limes: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed key lime juice instead of bottled juice. This will enhance the tartness and overall taste of your pie bars. Chill Properly: After baking, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier. Perfectly Cut Bars: To achieve clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Garnish with Style: For an elegant presentation, add a sprinkle of lime zest and mint leaves along with whipped cream on top of each bar. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the flavor of your key lime pie bars. Adding coconut gives a fun tropical twist. Just mix in some shredded coconut into your graham cracker crust. This will add a nice chew and flavor. Adding berries is another great option. You can swirl in some fresh berries into the filling. Strawberries or blueberries work well for a fruity variation. It makes the bars colorful and tasty. If you need to make these bars gluten-free, swap the graham cracker crumbs for almond flour or gluten-free cookies. This will keep the crust tasty and soft. For those who want a vegan option, replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream. You can also use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for the filling. These swaps can help everyone enjoy these delicious bars. How you serve your key lime pie bars can make a difference. For individual servings, use small cups. This way, each person gets their own treat. You can layer the crust and filling in each cup. For parties, try making miniature versions. Cut the bars into small squares and serve them on a platter. This makes it easy for guests to grab a bite and enjoy. To keep your key lime pie bars fresh, refrigeration is key. Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and tasty. If you don't have a container, cover the dish with plastic wrap. Ensure it seals well to lock in the flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Cut the bars into squares first. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy these treats even weeks later. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. In the fridge, the key lime pie bars last about five days. They should stay fresh if kept covered properly. If you freeze them, they can last for up to three months. Look for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold or a change in smell, it’s best to toss them. Fresh bars should smell bright and zesty, just like key limes. Enjoy your sweet treats while they are at their best! You can use regular limes, but the taste will change. Key limes are smaller and have a unique tartness. They add a floral note and a stronger lime flavor. Regular limes are more bitter and less sweet. This difference can affect the taste of your bars. If you want the true key lime pie flavor, stick with key limes. Look for a slight jiggle in the center. The edges should feel firm, but the middle should still move a little. This means they are set but not overcooked. If they are too firm, they might become rubbery. Trust your eyes and the feel of the filling. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They store well in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to a month. If you freeze them, wrap each bar tightly. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Serve the bars chilled for the best taste. You can top them with whipped cream for extra creaminess. Add key lime slices for a nice touch. They pair well with iced tea or a light cocktail. For a fun twist, serve with fresh berries on the side. You learned how to make delicious key lime pie bars, step by step. From crafting the crust to making the filling, each part matters. Remember to chill your bars for the best flavor. Use fresh ingredients for a vibrant taste. Try adding berries or coconut for fun twists. Store them well to keep them fresh. Enjoy sharing this treat with friends and family. Good luck making your key lime pie bars!$

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

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
0.33 cup granulated sugar
2 cans (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
0.5 cup key lime juice
4 large egg yolks
2 pieces zest of key limes
1 pinch salt
1 dollop whipped cream (optional)
1 slice key lime (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish to form an even crust.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, lime zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
Pour the key lime filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the oven for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Once chilled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles.
If desired, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of key lime for a decorative touch.

Notes

For best results, use freshly squeezed key lime juice.

Keyword citrus, dessert, key lime, pie bars