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To make these tasty key lime pie bars, you need some special ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for crust) - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 5-6 key limes) - 2 large egg yolks - 1 tablespoon lime zest - ½ cup heavy whipping cream (for topping) - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping) - Extra lime zest and lime slices for garnish Each of these items adds a burst of flavor and texture. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy crust. The sweetened condensed milk gives the filling a creamy base. Fresh key lime juice brings a zesty taste that makes this dessert shine. You can also add some fun twists to your key lime pie bars. Here are some optional ingredients you might consider: - Coconut flakes for a tropical touch - A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness - Fresh mint leaves for garnish - Different citrus juices, like lemon or orange, for a unique flavor These additions can change the taste and make your bars stand out even more. To make these key lime pie bars, gather these tools: - A mixing bowl for combining ingredients - A whisk or fork for mixing - A 9x9-inch baking dish to hold the bars - A spatula for spreading the filling - An oven for baking Having the right tools makes the process easier and more fun. With these ingredients and tools, you will create a delicious dessert that everyone will love! To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for a good bake. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix them well until they form a crumbly texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Make sure it’s even. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. It should turn a light golden brown. After baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the filling. While the crust cools, let’s make the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest. Make sure there are no lumps. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. This zesty filling is what makes the bars so special. Once mixed, set it aside until your crust is ready. Now, pour the key lime filling over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake the bars in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. After baking, remove the bars from the oven. Allow them to cool at room temperature. For the best results, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours. This will help them set properly. For the best crust, use fresh graham cracker crumbs. You can crush whole graham crackers in a food processor. Mix them with melted butter and sugar until it looks like wet sand. Press the mixture tightly into your baking dish. This helps the crust hold together. Bake it just until it’s lightly golden. This step adds a nice crunch. Let it cool before adding the filling. Fresh key lime juice makes a big difference. It gives your bars a bright and tangy taste. You can juice the limes by hand or use a juicer. Make sure to zest the limes before juicing. The zest adds a lovely aroma. Use fresh heavy cream for the topping. It whips up nicely and tastes great. Fresh ingredients elevate the flavor and make your dessert shine. Once your bars cool, store them in the fridge. Cover them well so they stay fresh. They taste best chilled. Serve them cold for a refreshing treat. Cut them into squares or rectangles for easy serving. Top each piece with whipped cream, lime zest, and a slice of lime. This adds color and makes the bars look fancy. Enjoy your delicious key lime pie bars! {{image_2}} You can make gluten-free key lime pie bars with a few simple swaps. Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. You can also use ground almonds or oats for a tasty crust. Just mix them with melted butter and sugar, just like the regular version. The filling stays the same, so you won’t lose any of that zesty flavor. To make vegan key lime pie bars, skip the eggs and use a plant-based milk. You can use silken tofu blended until smooth instead of sweetened condensed milk. Add a bit of maple syrup for sweetness. Use dairy-free whipped cream for topping. These swaps keep the bars creamy and delicious while being plant-friendly. Serving key lime pie bars can be fun and creative. Try cutting them into fun shapes with cookie cutters. This works great for parties. You can also serve them with fresh fruit like berries or mint leaves for color. Drizzle some lime sauce or serve with a scoop of lime sorbet on the side. Each bite will be full of flavor and style. To keep your Key Lime Pie Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to protect them from odors. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing. If you want to keep them nice, add a layer of plastic wrap over the top. This helps keep the whipped cream from getting soggy. You can freeze these bars for later. First, cut them into squares, but do not add the whipped cream yet. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Add whipped cream just before serving for the best taste. In the fridge, your Key Lime Pie Bars will last about 4 to 5 days. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. Just remember, the longer you keep them, the more the texture may change. Enjoy them while they're fresh for the best flavor! Yes, you can use regular lime juice. However, the taste will change. Key limes are smaller and have a unique flavor. They add a tartness that regular limes do not match. If you want the classic taste, stick with key lime juice. The bars are done when the filling looks set. It should be slightly jiggly in the center. This means they are ready to cool. If they look too wobbly, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overbake. You can use coconut milk or almond milk mixed with sugar. This mixture will mimic the sweetness and creaminess of sweetened condensed milk. You may also try making your own by cooking milk and sugar together. This gives you a similar texture and taste. Key lime pie bars are a fun treat to make and enjoy. We covered key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for the perfect crust and fresh flavor. You can even try different variations, like gluten-free or vegan options. Remember, proper storage ensures your bars stay fresh. Use these easy guidelines to impress your friends and family. Enjoy making and sharing this simple yet tasty dessert!

Key Lime Pie Bars

Discover the ultimate treat with these zesty key lime pie bars that are simple to make and bursting with flavor! This delicious dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy key lime filling, topped with whipped cream for the perfect finish. Ideal for parties or a refreshing snack, this recipe will leave everyone craving more. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family today!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

⅓ cup granulated sugar (for crust)

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 5-6 key limes)

2 large egg yolks

1 tablespoon lime zest

½ cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)

2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)

Extra lime zest and lime slices for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.

      Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and lime zest until smooth.

        Combine and Bake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread it into an even layer. Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.

          Cool Down: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.

            Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

              Serve: Once the bars are set, cut them into squares or rectangles. Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with extra lime zest and a slice of lime.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 12 bars