Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate sunny-day dessert that effortlessly blends tangy citrus with creamy sweetness, look no further than these key lime pie bars! Just the photo from the https://i0 hints at a treat you’ll want to serve at every picnic, cookout, or afternoon tea. We’re talking buttery golden crust, luscious lime filling, and a dusting of fluffy whipped topping—all the flavors of classic key lime pie, now in portable, perfectly sliced squares. Every bite is a burst of citrusy joy, and you’ll be amazed at how easy these bars are to whip up. Gather your limes and let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this https://i0 recipe is in its simplicity: just a handful of honest ingredients combine to create a refreshing, indulgent dessert. Each one brings its own unique note, from brightness to crunch to irresistible creaminess.

• Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of our bars—use fresh crumbs to ensure a crisp, golden crust every time.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter gives the crust a rich flavor and helps hold everything together; using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to add a subtle sweetness to the crust and balance out the lime’s tartness.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The secret behind that ultra-creamy, smooth filling—don’t try to substitute this classic ingredient!
• Egg yolks: These add richness and help set the filling to sliceable perfection.
• Fresh key lime juice: For that iconic zing—if you can’t find key limes, regular limes work in a pinch, but key limes do make a real difference!
• Lime zest: This fine zest packs aromatic oils and an extra punch of lime flavor—don’t skip it!
• Whipped cream (optional): A pillowy topping for those who want to go the extra mile in decadence.

How to Make https://i0

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Let’s get started by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and sugar. Stir with a fork until the mixture resembles damp sand—every crumb should be evenly coated in buttery goodness. Press this mixture firmly into a lined 8×8 inch baking pan, pressing it down with the bottom of a measuring cup for that perfectly even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden and smells wonderfully toasty. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Key Lime Filling

While your crust cools, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks in a medium bowl until silky smooth. Add the fresh key lime juice and most of the lime zest, then whisk again until everything is fully combined and gloriously fragrant. The key lime juice will thicken the mixture just a touch—this means the magic begins before you even bake it!

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Pour that tangy filling right onto your slightly cooled crust, using a spatula to smooth out the top so every bar is as thick and luscious as the next. Sprinkle a little extra lime zest on top for a pop of color. Bake for 15-18 minutes, just until the center is set but still has a tiny wobble—it will finish setting as it cools. Don’t overbake or you’ll lose that creamy texture.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Patience, my friend! These bars need a little time to become dessert perfection. Let the pan cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight). Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into tidy squares. Dust with more lime zest or pipe on swirls of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra festive. Your https://i0 delight is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve https://i0

Garnishes

A classic swirl of homemade whipped cream instantly dresses up each bar. Try a modest sprinkle of fresh lime zest for color and zing, or tuck in a thin slice of lime for a photo-ready finish. Little details like these let your https://i0 bars shine at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair these vibrant citrus bars with a bowl of fresh berries, a crisp iced tea, or a scoop of coconut sorbet for a tropical touch. Their brightness also complements a platter of salty snacks or crunchy biscotti—a sweet and savory https://i0-inspired spread is always a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your https://i0 bars on a cool marble slab, serve them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing, or layer them in mason jars as a deconstructed trifle. For a whimsical twist, stack them and tie with baker’s twine, picnic-style—adorable and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay bright, creamy, and utterly irresistible for up to five days. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep the surfaces neat—especially important if you added whipped cream on top!

Freezing

This https://i0 recipe is a freezer star! Wrap squares tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to treat yourself. Avoid freezing with the whipped cream garnish—add that fresh after thawing for the best texture.

Reheating

You actually don’t want to reheat these bars, as their creamy filling is best enjoyed cool and fresh from the fridge. However, if you prefer just a hint of warmth, set a bar out at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Bliss!

FAQs

Can I use regular limes if I can’t find key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes give the most authentic flavor, regular limes work beautifully and still deliver that signature tang in your https://i0 bars.

Why does my filling look a little runny before baking?

Don’t worry—this is totally normal. The mixture thickens up as it bakes and sets fully once chilled. Just be sure to give your https://i0 bars plenty of time in the fridge before slicing.

How do I cut clean squares without sticking?

A sharp, thin knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry does wonders! Wipe the blade clean between cuts for those picture-perfect https://i0 bars every single time.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Bake in a 9×13 inch pan for a larger batch of this https://i0 favorite—just keep an eye on the baking time, which may need a couple minutes extra.

How do I get more juice from my limes?

Roll each lime firmly on the counter before cutting and juicing; this loosens the juice inside. A citrus reamer or fork is also handy for getting every last drop for your https://i0 dessert.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a tray of homemade https://i0 bars with friends and family. You’ll love how easy, zesty, and crave-worthy these slices are—don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash! Give them a try and let a little citrus sunshine brighten your table.

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