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- Key ingredients for the crust: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar - Key ingredients for the filling: - 2 cans (14 oz each) sweetened condensed milk - ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice - 1 tablespoon lime zest - 4 large egg yolks - Pinch of salt - Optional toppings and garnishes: - Whipped cream, for topping - Additional lime zest and lime slices, for garnish Each ingredient plays a vital role in making these key lime pie bars a hit. The graham cracker crumbs give a nice crunch, while the melted butter helps bind everything. Sugar adds sweetness to the crust. For the filling, sweetened condensed milk provides creaminess. Fresh key lime juice delivers that signature tangy taste. Lime zest adds extra flavor, while egg yolks help set the filling. Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. You can customize your bars with whipped cream on top. Adding more lime zest or slices gives a pop of color and flavor. These ingredients come together to create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. To start, I mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Use about 1 ½ cups of crumbs, ½ cup of butter, and ¼ cup of sugar. Stir until the mix looks crumbly and well combined. Next, I press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8x8-inch baking pan. Make sure it's even. This step is key for a solid base. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. After that, let it cool slightly before adding the filling. Now, I move on to the filling. In a separate bowl, I whisk together two cans of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of freshly squeezed key lime juice, 1 tablespoon of lime zest, 4 large egg yolks, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to mix until it's smooth and creamy. Once mixed, I pour this filling over the cooled crust. I smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Bake again for 15 to 20 minutes. The filling should be set and slightly firm to the touch when done. After baking, I let the bars cool at room temperature for about an hour. Then, I pop them in the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours. This step is vital for the best texture and flavor. Once chilled, I cut the bars into neat squares. For a fun touch, I top them with whipped cream, extra lime zest, and lime slices. These additions not only look great but also enhance that tangy flavor. To get the ideal graham cracker crumb texture, use finely crushed crumbs. You can use a food processor or put the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Aim for a sandy texture with no large chunks. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan. This step is vital for a sturdy crust. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to press down evenly. Make sure it sticks together and is packed tightly. This helps the crust hold its shape when you cut the bars. To avoid lumps in the filling, whisk your ingredients well. Start with the sweetened condensed milk. Pour it into a bowl and whisk it alone first. This helps break down any lumps before adding other ingredients. When mixing the egg yolks, lime juice, and zest, combine them slowly. Make sure every ingredient is mixed in well. A smooth filling results in a better texture for your bars. You can serve Key Lime Pie Bars in many fun ways. Try cutting them into small squares for a bite-sized treat. These bars also shine with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Pair these with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. You can also serve them with fresh fruit for extra color and flavor. These creative touches make your dessert even more enjoyable! {{image_2}} To make gluten-free key lime pie bars, you can swap out the graham cracker crumbs. Use gluten-free crumbs made from oats or nuts. This keeps the crust tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the crust. If it looks golden and firm, it is ready. For a vegan version, replace the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream. This change makes the bars creamy and rich. Use a flax egg instead of egg yolks for binding. You may notice a change in texture. The coconut cream adds a slight coconut flavor, but it pairs well with lime. You can also try other citrus juices for the filling. Lemon or orange juice can give a fun twist. If you want a unique taste, add fresh herbs like mint or basil. These additions make the bars even more exciting. You can create your special flavor that your friends and family will love. To keep your Key Lime Pie Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in a sealed container to avoid drying out. If you cut them into squares, separate layers with parchment paper. This keeps them neat. These bars last up to one week in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze Key Lime Pie Bars, first, let them cool completely. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quick thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy the tangy flavor whenever you like! You can use regular lime juice in place of key lime juice. It gives a similar tang. Lemon juice works too but has a stronger flavor. You might need to adjust the sugar if you choose lemons. Yes, you can make these bars a day before serving. Just store them in the fridge. Let them chill for at least three hours after baking. This helps the flavors blend well. Check for a slight jiggle in the center. The edges should look firm. When you touch it gently, it should feel set. If it wobbles too much, bake for a few more minutes. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts. This keeps the edges neat. For perfect squares, mark your cuts before slicing. Yes, you can skip the whipped cream if you prefer. The bars are tasty on their own. If you want, try a sprinkle of lime zest. Fresh fruit slices also make a nice touch. You now have all the tools to make delicious Key Lime Pie Bars. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can easily adjust the recipe for gluten-free or vegan options. Remember to refrigerate leftovers properly and enjoy them later. These bars are perfect for any gathering or as a tasty treat for yourself. The fun is in trying different flavors and serving ideas. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your new baking skills!

Key Lime Pie Bars

Indulge in the refreshing taste of zesty key lime pie bars with this easy recipe! Perfect for any occasion, these delightful treats feature a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy key lime filling. With only a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that will impress your friends and family. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your baking game with these mouthwatering bars!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 cans (14 oz each) sweetened condensed milk

½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice

1 tablespoon lime zest

4 large egg yolks

Pinch of salt

Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

Additional lime zest and lime slices, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until well mixed and crumbly.

      Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8x8-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.

        In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.

          Pour the key lime filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

            Bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.

              Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for an hour. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to chill completely.

                Once chilled, cut into squares and top with whipped cream, additional lime zest, and lime slices for garnish.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours | Servings: 16 bars