Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cunsalted butter
melted
- 1 cgraham cracker crumbs
- ¾ clight brown sugar
packed
- 1 tbspcornstarch
- ½ tspsalt (or
- 14 ozsweetened condensed milk
one standard can
- 1 largeegg
- ½ clime juice
- ½ csour cream
lite is okay
- up to 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- thinly sliced limes for garnishing
Directions
- 1
Preheat over to 350F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
Make the crust:
- 1
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, about 1 minute on high power.
- 2
Add all remaining crust ingredients and mix with a fork to combine.
- 3
Turn loose crumbs out into prepared pan and using a spatula, pack mixture firmly into pan in an even, smooth, flat layer.
- 4
Bake for 10 minutes. While crust bakes, prepare the filling.
Make the filling:
- 1
Combine first 4 ingredients in a large mixing bowl (same one used for crust is fine), and whisk until smooth and combined.
- 2
Taste filling. If it’s bitter or too tart, add sugar as necessary, to taste. I used 1/2 cup sugar because my Key limes were a bit bitter.
- 3
After 10 minutes, remove crust from oven and pour filling over it, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
- 4
Return pan to oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until center is set with only some slight jiggle; some looseness is okay, but there should not be sloshing in the center. You’ll notice the filling near the edges start setting up first; remove pan from oven when center starts to take on the same appearance as the edges. Don’t let the bars get ‘browned’, they should stay fairly pale and light. Bars firm up more as they cool. Bars will be bubbling vigorously so use caution when removing them from the oven.
- 5
Allow bars to cool in pan on a wire rack for about 2 hours.
- 6
Cover pan with foil (to prevent fridge smells), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, or until well chilled before slicing and serving.
- 7
Optionally, garnish with thinly sliced limes before serving.
Key Lime Pie Bars
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About this Recipe
Craving a taste of sunshine? These Key Lime Pie Bars are your answer! Forget the fuss of a traditional pie; these easy bars offer all the bold, zesty lime flavor you love, but in a convenient, sliceable format. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy Key lime filling, they're the quintessential make-ahead dessert for any potluck, party, or simple sweet craving.
What makes these Key lime bars truly special is their delightful balance. They're wonderfully light and fresh, boasting that signature tartness from the lime perfectly complemented by just the right amount of sweetness. This Key lime bars recipe is incredibly straightforward, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that consistently earns rave reviews. They truly are one of the best Key lime desserts out there!
Tips for Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars
- Fresh is Best: While bottled lime juice can work, using freshly squeezed Key lime juice (or regular lime juice if Key limes are hard to find) will elevate the flavor of your Key lime pie bars to an unparalleled level. It makes all the difference!
- Don't Overbake: The filling should be just set with a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Garnish with Flair: A sprinkle of fresh lime zest or a dollop of whipped cream turns these already delicious Key lime recipes into an elegant presentation. Thinly sliced limes also add a beautiful touch.
These Key lime pie bars are a fantastic choice when you need a dessert that travels well and feeds a crowd. Serve them chilled alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea for a refreshing end to any meal.