These Key Lime Pie Bars are a treat with their sweet and tangy lime filling on a buttery crust. They’re easy to make and great for sharing, or just for sneaking bites all by yourself!
Trust me, the zingy flavor is like a mini vacation! I love serving them chilled with whipped cream on top—it’s the perfect way to brighten up any day. 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of your crust. If you can’t find them or want a change, try using crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits—they add a nice flavor too!
Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient gives the filling its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream can work well. It can change the flavor a bit, but it’s delicious in its own way!
Key lime juice: Fresh is best, but if you can’t get key limes, regular limes will do. Just keep in mind that the taste might be a little different, but still yummy!
Heavy whipping cream: This is essential for a fluffy topping. If you want a lighter option, you could use whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. It adds a nice touch of coconut flavor too!
How Can I Make Sure My Filling Sets Properly?
The filling’s consistency is important for those delicious bars. You want to bake it until it’s just set but still has a little jiggle in the center. Here’s how:
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps. Smooth it for a creamy finish.
- Keep an eye on the oven. Every oven is different, so check after 15 minutes. If it looks like a slight jiggle remains, it’s perfect!
- Let it cool completely before chilling in the fridge. This extra cooling helps it set properly.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (about 4-6 limes)
- Zest of 2 limes
- 2 large egg yolks
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Lime zest (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-40 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow the bars to cool and chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge. In total, plan for a little over 3 hours, but most of that is waiting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined and looks like wet sand. Then, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Make the Filling:
Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, freshly squeezed key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks until the mixture is nice and smooth. Once combined, pour this tangy filling over your cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. It’s going to be delicious!
3. Bake the Bars:
Now, return the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. After baking, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cool, place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until it’s nice and chilled.
4. Prepare the Topping:
While you wait, let’s make the whipped cream topping! In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. This will make your topping airy and delightful. Once the filling is chilled, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top.
5. Garnish and Serve:
To finish off your Key Lime Pie Bars, sprinkle some additional lime zest over the whipped cream for a nice garnish. Then, cut them into bars, serve chilled, and enjoy every bite of these refreshing treats!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! While key limes give a distinct flavor, regular limes can be used as a substitute. The taste might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to adjust the lime zest for the best results!
How Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free Key Lime Pie Bars, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Everything else in the recipe should work perfectly with your gluten-free choice!
Can I Freeze Leftover Key Lime Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Make sure they are completely chilled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
What’s the Best Way to Store Them After Making?
Store your Key Lime Pie Bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will last for about 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can add the whipped cream topping just before serving to keep it fluffy!
