![- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice - 1 tablespoon lime zest - 4 large egg yolks - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar - Lime slices, for garnish - Fresh mint leaves, for garnish To make key lime pie bars, you need simple and fresh ingredients. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy base. They mix with sugar and cinnamon for added flavor. The melted butter helps bind the crust together. Sweetened condensed milk gives the pie its creamy texture. Fresh key lime juice adds that bright, tangy taste. Lime zest enhances the flavor, making it more vibrant. The egg yolks help set the filling as it bakes. For the topping, whipped cream provides a light finish. Just whip heavy cream with powdered sugar. It’s easy and makes each bite special. Garnish with lime slices and mint leaves for a pop of color. When you gather these ingredients, you're ready to create a delightful dessert. For the complete steps, check out the Full Recipe. - Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Combine crust ingredients: In a bowl, mix 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until it looks like wet sand. - Bake the crust: Press the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Let it cool while you make the filling. - Whisk together filling ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup of fresh key lime juice, 1 tablespoon of lime zest, and 4 large egg yolks until smooth. - Pour filling over crust: Carefully pour the filling over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Bake until filling is set: Bake for 15-20 minutes. The filling should be set but still jiggly in the center. - Cool and refrigerate: Let the bars cool at room temperature. Chill them in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Enjoy making these tasty key lime pie bars! To get the best taste, use fresh key lime juice. It brightens the bars. The flavor shines through every bite. Next, make sure the crust is evenly pressed. This helps it hold together well. A firm crust gives a nice base. One mistake is overbaking the filling. This can make the bars tough. The filling should be set but still jiggle a bit. Another common error is under-chilling the bars. They need time in the fridge to firm up. Three hours is the minimum for great results. These bars shine when paired with whipped cream. A dollop on top makes them even better. For garnish, lime slices add a fresh touch. Fresh mint leaves bring color and flavor. Enjoy the mix of sweet and tart in every bite. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips! {{image_2}} You can make key lime pie bars even more fun! Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. This gives your bars a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness. You can also mix in some berries. Blueberries or raspberries add a fruity bite. They look pretty too! If you need a gluten-free option, don't worry. You can swap out graham crackers for gluten-free cookies. Look for cookies made from almond flour or coconut. This way, everyone can enjoy the tasty pie bars! Want to make these bars vegan? It's simple! Use coconut cream instead of dairy. For the eggs, try aquafaba. Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It whips up nicely and works great in baking. These changes keep the flavor while making it plant-based. Discover the [Full Recipe] to try these tasty variations at home! To keep your key lime pie bars fresh, refrigerate any leftovers. Place them in an airtight container. This helps to prevent them from drying out and keeps them tasty. You should serve your key lime pie bars within one week. They taste best during this time. After that, they may lose some flavor and texture. If you want to freeze your key lime pie bars, follow these simple steps: 1. Cut and Cool: First, cut the bars into squares. Let them cool completely. 2. Wrap: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. 3. Store: Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. 4. Label: Don’t forget to label it with the date! 5. Thaw: When you’re ready to eat them, take the bars out of the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours. This keeps them tasty and fresh. For the full recipe, check the main section of the article. Yes, you can use regular limes. However, key limes have a unique tartness. They offer a bright, floral flavor that regular limes do not match. If you use regular limes, expect a slightly different taste. The result may be less tangy but still enjoyable. You can add a bit more zest to mimic the flavor of key limes. If you lack graham crackers, don’t worry. You can use other ingredients for the crust. Here are some alternatives: - Digestive biscuits - Vanilla wafers - Shortbread cookies - Oatmeal cookies Simply crush your chosen option and mix it with sugar and butter. This will keep your crust tasty and crunchy. Testing the filling is easy. After baking, look for a slight jiggle in the center. It should not be liquidy or wobbly. A good sign is if the edges appear firm and the center looks set. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let the filling cool completely before chilling it. This will help it firm up as it cools. Key Lime Pie Bars are easy and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. Fresh key lime juice makes the best bars, and every little detail counts. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overbaking. You can even try fun variations, like adding coconut or going gluten-free. Store them properly for the best flavor. Enjoy your delicious bars, and share them with friends and family. Making this treat will impress everyone!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1dfffe32-0e2d-4f6a-9de8-3e66946e1ea5-250x250.webp)
Key Lime Pie Bars
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delightful Tropical Key Lime Pie Bars! Bursting with tangy key lime flavor and a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a heavenly treat that will impress your friends and family. Click through for the full recipe and start baking these delicious bars today!