Easy Key Lime Pie Bars
Par Amelia Feuss.
These key lime pie bars provide a delightful twist on traditional key lime pie, making them perfect for sharing at potlucks or picnics.
Préparation:
25 min
Cuisson:
34 min
Total:
59 min
Portions:
10 bars
Cuisine:
American
#key lime pie
#desserts
#easy recipes
#summer treats
There’s nothing quite like the tangy sweetness of Easy Key Lime Pie Bars to brighten up your dessert table. These delightful treats are a twist on the classic key lime pie, transforming it into perfectly portioned bars that are easy to share and even easier to enjoy. Ideal for any occasion, from potluck gatherings to family dinners, these key lime dessert bars are a crowd-pleaser thanks to their creamy filling and zesty lime flavor. Plus, with a buttery graham cracker crust, every bite is a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. If you’re looking for an easy key lime recipe that will impress your friends and family, look no further. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious bars together!
Ingrédients
- 175 g (1 1/4 cups) graham cracker crumbs
- 75 g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) sugar
- 1 ml (1/4 teaspoon) salt
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) cornstarch
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) key lime juice (about 25 key limes) or regular limes (6 to 8) (see notes)
- 3 eggs
- 1 can (300 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 250 ml (1 cup) 35% whipping cream
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) sugar
- Long, thin lime zest
À propos des ingrédients
About These Ingredients To make the best key lime pie bars, quality ingredients are essential. The crust consists of graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt, which creates a delightful crunchy base. The filling features fresh key lime juice - you can use regular limes if key limes are unavailable. Sweetened condensed milk adds that creamy richness, while eggs provide structure. The whipped cream topping is an optional but heavenly addition that elevates these key lime dessert bars to another level. Make sure your key limes are juicy for the freshest flavor!
Instructions
- Position the oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over two sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the crust ingredients. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake in the oven for 12 minutes. Remove and let cool on a wire rack. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the lime juice. Add the eggs and sweetened condensed milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Pour over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 22 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until the filling is firm and completely chilled. You can freeze at this stage if desired.
- In a bowl, whip the cream with the sugar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Spread over the lime filling and garnish with lime zest.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Cut into 10 equal rectangles (see note). The key lime pie bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conseils de cuisson
Cooking Tips For perfect key lime pie bars, ensuring the crust is packed tightly is key; this helps it hold together when you slice it. After baking the crust, press it down firmly before adding the filling, which helps prevent any gaps. Be mindful of the baking time – the edges should be set, but the center should still have a gentle jiggle. This indicates that the filling will set properly in the refrigerator. Once adequately chilled, whipping the cream to soft peaks before spreading it on the bars adds a lovely lightness and makes for an impressive presentation.
Conseils de chef
- 💡 These Easy Key Lime Pie Bars are perfect for potlucks! Just cut them ahead of time and serve them chilled for a refreshing treat that everyone will love.
- 💡 If you prefer a sweeter taste, decrease the amount of lime juice or add extra sugar to the filling, but remember to balance the tang as key limes are meant to shine through.
- 💡 Looking for a healthier alternative? Consider using a sugar substitute in the crust or filling. Coconut sugar works surprisingly well for a unique hint of flavor without lots of extra calories.
- 💡 You can easily customize these bars by adding coconut flakes to the crust for a rich texture or infusing the whipped cream with vanilla or almond extract for an added flavor dimension.
- 💡 To store key lime pie bars, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they can last up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to a month!
- 💡 Experiment with the graham cracker crust by substituting with crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or Oreos for a creative flavor twist!
- 💡 For garnishing, try adding fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the whipped cream before serving for a pop of color and flavor contrast.
- 💡 If you're in a pinch and don't have cornstarch on hand, you can use all-purpose flour instead. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture.
Questions fréquentes
How to make key lime pie bars?
Making key lime pie bars involves preparing a graham cracker crust, mixing the creamy filling with key lime juice, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk, then baking until just set. After cooling and chilling, top with whipped cream before serving.
Are key lime pie bars healthy?
While key lime pie bars are a treat, they do contain sweetened condensed milk and butter. However, you can make adjustments for a lighter version by using lighter cream or a sugar substitute!
Can I make key lime pie bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free alternatives, such as crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour, and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.
How to store key lime pie bars?
Store key lime pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just separate with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
What substitutions can I make in the recipe?
You can substitute regular limes for key limes if needed, and if you want a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt in place of whipping cream for the topping.
