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- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice - Zest of 2 key limes - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Optional garnishes (whipped cream, lime slices, and zest) Key lime pie bars need simple ingredients to shine. The graham cracker crumbs form the base and give a sweet crunch. Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust and filling. Unsalted butter helps bind it all together. Eggs are key in this recipe. They help the filling set up nicely. Sweetened condensed milk brings a creamy texture and balances the tangy key lime juice. Fresh key lime juice adds that zesty kick we all love. The zest of key limes enhances the flavor, making these bars extra refreshing. A pinch of salt rounds out the flavors. For serving, whipped cream is a delightful touch. Lime slices and zest can add a bright look to your bars. These ingredients come together to create a treat that is both tangy and delightful. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a great crust. Next, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, mix 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. Now, take your baking dish, which should be 8x8 inches, and line it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later. Press the crumb mix firmly into the bottom of the dish. Make it even. Bake this crust for about 10 minutes until it turns lightly golden. When done, let it cool for a bit. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk. Keep whisking until it's smooth and creamy. Now, add 1/2 cup of fresh key lime juice, the zest of 2 key limes, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until it is well mixed. Pour the lime filling over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. You can check for doneness when the filling is set and does not jiggle. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven. Let the bars cool to room temperature. Then, place them in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until they are completely chilled and firm. After chilling, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut them into squares or rectangles, and they are ready to serve! To make the crust just right, you can adjust the sweetness. If you prefer it less sweet, cut the sugar by a tablespoon. This helps balance the tangy filling. If you want to use something other than graham cracker crumbs, try crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits. They add a nice flavor twist. Choosing the best key limes is key. Look for limes that are small, firm, and heavy for their size. They should feel juicy. To test if your bars are done, gently shake the pan. If the filling jiggles a bit but is mostly set, it’s ready. Take it out to cool. For garnishing, a dollop of whipped cream pairs well. Add a slice of lime on top for color. You can also sprinkle some lime zest for extra flair. When it comes to drinks, iced tea or a refreshing lemonade complements these bars perfectly. Enjoy your delicious treat! {{image_2}} You can add more fun to your key lime pie bars. One great idea is to mix in coconut. Just stir in about a half cup of shredded coconut into the filling. This gives a tropical twist. You can also try different citrus juices. Lemon and orange juices work well. They can change the taste but still keep that zesty feel. If you want a healthier version, consider gluten-free options for the crust. You can use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. This way, everyone can enjoy this treat! For those who prefer vegan options, you can replace eggs with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes, and it becomes a great egg substitute. Making mini key lime pie bars is a fun twist. Use a mini muffin tin instead of a baking dish. This gives you bite-sized treats that are easy to share. You can also freeze these bars for long-term storage. Just cut them into squares, wrap them in plastic, and store in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months! To keep your key lime pie bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. If you have leftover bars, they can last up to five days in the fridge. Always make sure they are completely chilled before storing them. This makes cutting and serving much easier later on. Freezing key lime pie bars is a great option for long-term storage. Start by cutting the bars into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the bars from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain their creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave them out at room temperature for about an hour. Enjoy your tangy treat! Yes, you can use regular lime juice. Key limes are smaller and have a unique taste. They offer a sweeter, more fragrant flavor. Regular lime juice works well if you can't find key limes. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious. You will know your bars are done when the filling is set. Gently shake the baking dish. If the filling does not jiggle, it’s ready. The edges might look slightly puffed, while the center stays firm. This balance gives you the perfect texture. Absolutely! These bars chill well in the fridge. You can make them up to two days ahead. Just let them cool and refrigerate. This gives the flavors more time to blend. Serve them cold for the best taste. If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, try these options: - Digestive biscuits - Crushed vanilla cookies - Oatmeal cookies - Almond flour mixed with a bit of sugar Each option gives a unique flavor and texture. Choose what you like best! In this post, we covered how to make delicious key lime pie bars. We explored the key ingredients, from graham cracker crumbs to fresh key lime juice. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your bars, and exciting variations to try. Remember, you can adjust sweetness and even use different citrus for fun twists. Key lime pie bars are easy to store and perfect for any gathering. Enjoy making this tasty treat!

Key Lime Pie Bars

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars! Discover how to make this delightful dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy key lime filling, all topped with whipped cream and lime zest. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to prepare and sure to impress. Click through to explore this recipe and bring a burst of citrus sunshine to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)

Zest of 2 key limes

1/4 teaspoon salt

Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Extra lime slices and lime zest, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

      Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

        In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy.

          Stir in the fresh key lime juice, lime zest, and salt until fully combined.

            Pour the lime filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the filling is set and does not jiggle when gently shaken.

              Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and firm.

                Once chilled, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

                  Serve each bar with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired, and garnished with a slice of lime and a sprinkle of lime zest.

                    Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 2 hours 50 mins | Servings: 9 bars