These Key Lime Pie Bars are a tasty twist on the classic dessert! With a zesty lime filling and a crumbly crust, each bite is a sunny treat that brightens your day.
They’re so simple to make that you’ll want to whip them up all the time. Just mix, pour, and bake! I love serving them chilled on warm days—perfect for sharing with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These make the crust tasty and crunchy. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a slight twist.
Cream Cheese: This gives the filling its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still works beautifully.
Lime Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lime juice is key for that bright flavor. If limes aren’t available, bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for taste. Don’t forget to zest those limes too; it adds so much flavor!
Heavy Whipping Cream: It’s used to make the topping fluffy. If you need a non-dairy option, coconut cream is a fantastic substitute that will still give you a nice, rich creaminess.
How Do I Ensure My Lime Bars Set Perfectly?
The baking step is crucial for getting the right texture. After pouring the lime mixture over the crust, bake until slightly jiggly in the center—that’s your cue it’s perfectly done. Remember, it will continue to set as it cools in the fridge.
- Make sure to let the crust cool before adding the filling. This keeps it from getting soggy.
- After baking, cooling at room temperature is crucial before chilling in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
Avoid opening the oven while baking; it can affect how well they set. Patience is key here!
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Lime Filling:
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Additional lime zest for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30-40 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll need at least 3 hours to chill the bars in the fridge. So, overall, you’re looking at about 4 hours before you can enjoy these delicious treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, take an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang on the sides; this will help you pull out the bars later. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until it looks like wet sand.
2. Bake the Crust:
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will be your crust! Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool a bit.
3. Make the Lime Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s nice and smooth. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be your delicious lime filling!
4. Bake the Lime Bars:
Pour the lime mixture over your cooled crust and spread it out evenly. Now, pop it back into the oven for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set, but the center can still have a little jiggle.
5. Chill the Bars:
Once baked, let the bars cool to room temperature. Then, cover them and pop them into the fridge for at least 3 hours or until they are fully chilled. This step is super important for the best texture!
6. Make the Whipped Cream:
When you’re ready to serve, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until you get soft peaks. This means it should hold its shape but isn’t too stiff.
7. Assemble and Serve:
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled lime filling. Garnish with some extra lime zest for that finishing touch. Now it’s time to slice those delicious bars and enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of graham crackers, you can substitute with crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or even a chocolate cookie crust for a richer flavor. Just ensure you mix it with enough butter to hold together!
How to Store Leftover Key Lime Pie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re layering them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Just remember to add the whipped cream topping right before serving for the best texture!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie crumb substitute. You can find gluten-free options in most grocery stores, which will work just as well for the crust.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Limes?
No problem! You can use bottled lime juice as a substitute, but fresh lime juice will give you the best flavor. If using bottled juice, opt for one that does not have added sugars for the most authentic taste.
