These Key Lime Pie Bars are bright, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing! With a buttery crust and creamy lime filling, they are a treat that brings summer vibes any time of year.
I love serving these after dinner; they disappear faster than I can say “key lime”! 🍰 Plus, they’re super easy to make—perfect for impressing friends without a ton of effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is the base of your crust. If you can’t find graham cracker crumbs, crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafer cookies work great as substitutes for a slightly different flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient gives the filling its creamy consistency. In a pinch, you can use evaporated milk mixed with sugar, but it might lack the same richness.
Key Limes vs. Regular Limes: Key limes are smaller and have a more intense flavor, but regular limes are a fine alternative. If you want a true key lime pie taste, go for key limes when available. Otherwise, use Persian limes.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For the topping, heavy cream gives the best results, but you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just chill the can overnight, and scoop out the cream!
How Do You Get the Perfect Filling Consistency?
Getting the filling just right is key to delicious Key Lime Pie Bars! The mixture should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. Ensure you whisk the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and zest well. Here’s how:
- Start with room-temperature egg yolks for smooth blending.
- Mix until there are no lumps and everything is fully combined.
- When baking, look for a setting that’s jiggly in the center; it will firm up as it cools.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- Zest of 2 limes
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lime for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus baking and chilling time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It’s a fun and easy treat that will refresh you on a warm day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix it all together until you have a crumbly mixture. Then, press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool.
2. Make the Filling:
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, fresh lime juice, and lime zest until everything is smooth and well combined. Pour this delicious filling over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Now it’s time to bake it again! Put the dish back in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the filling is set but a little jiggly in the center. Once it’s ready, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours until it’s fully chilled.
3. Prepare the Topping:
When your bars are nice and cold, it’s time to make the topping! In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until you see stiff peaks form. Spread this fluffy whipped cream topping over the chilled key lime filling evenly. For a fun finishing touch, sprinkle some additional lime zest on top. Finally, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the baking dish and cut them into squares. Serve chilled, and enjoy your refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! If you can’t find key limes, regular limes work just fine. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. You may consider reducing sugar a tad as regular limes are a bit more tart.
How Can I Store Leftover Key Lime Pie Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To keep the whipped cream fresh, add it just before serving if possible. You can also freeze the bars without the topping for up to 3 months; just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil.
Can I Make the Crust Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the crust a day ahead! Just prepare it as directed, let it cool completely, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to use, simply pour the filling over the prepared crust and bake.
What if My Filling Is Not Setting?
If the filling seems too jiggly after the baking time, give it a few more minutes in the oven. It should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. Just keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking!
