These Key Lime Pie Bars are a delicious twist on the classic dessert! They feature a creamy, tangy filling over a buttery graham cracker crust—talk about a treat!
I love how easy these bars are to make and how they’re perfect for sharing. Just cut them into squares, and you’ll have happy friends with every bite! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of your crust, giving it that signature flavor. If you’re out of graham crackers, try using vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a different but tasty twist.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds sweetness and creaminess. If you’re avoiding sugar, unsweetened coconut milk can be an alternative, but you’ll need to adjust the sugar in the recipe.
Freshly Squeezed Key Lime Juice: This gives the filling its tangy kick. You can substitute with regular lime juice, but it will slightly change the flavor. Look for bottled key lime juice in a pinch.
Egg Yolks: They help create a rich custard-like filling. If you prefer egg-free, consider using silken tofu blended until smooth as a substitute, though the texture may vary.
How Do You Get the Perfect Whipped Cream Topping?
Making whipped cream can sometimes feel tricky, but it’s all about the right technique and timing. Here are some steps to ensure it turns out perfect every time:
- Start with cold cream. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for about 10-15 minutes in the freezer before whipping.
- Beat on medium speed initially until it begins to thicken, then increase to high speed. This helps incorporate air quickly.
- When the cream starts to hold soft peaks, add powdered sugar to sweeten it. Continue to whip until you reach stiff peaks—this means when you lift the beaters, the peaks stand up without falling.
Lastly, be careful not to over-whip, or you’ll end up with butter! If it happens, mix in a bit of cream to smooth it out.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Filling:
- 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
- Zest of 2 limes
- 4 large egg yolks
For The Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Lime zest for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 8-10 minutes for baking the crust, 15-20 minutes for baking the filling, and at least 3 hours to chill in the fridge. So, make sure to start early and enjoy this refreshing dessert later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter together until it looks like wet sand. Take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, just until it turns lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Making the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine both cans of sweetened condensed milk, the sour cream, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks. Using a whisk, mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps left!
3. Baking the Filling:
Now, pour your smooth filling over the cooled crust. Carefully place it back in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want the filling to be set but still a bit jiggly in the center. After baking, take it out and let it cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, pop it in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or until it’s completely chilled.
4. Preparing the Topping:
While your bars are chilling, whip up the topping! In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream. Keep mixing until it starts to thicken, then add the powdered sugar. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form—this means it will hold its shape when you spread it.
5. Assembling the Bars:
Once the bars are chilled and ready, take them out from the fridge. Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the key lime filling, smoothing it out nicely with a spatula. For a lovely touch, sprinkle some extra lime zest on top.
6. Serving:
Now, it’s time to serve your delicious Key Lime Pie Bars! Slice them into squares and enjoy them chilled. They’re perfect for a refreshing dessert. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Yes, you can replace key limes with regular limes if needed! Just note that regular limes tend to be more tart, so you may want to reduce the amount of lime juice slightly to taste. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these bars gluten-free, swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also labeled gluten-free to avoid any gluten cross-contamination.
Can I Prepare These Bars in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make key lime pie bars a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to store them covered in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. A slight chill can enhance the flavor and texture, making them even tastier!
How to Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover key lime pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture of the whipped topping, try to keep it separate until just before serving, if possible.
