Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe: Fresh Citrus Magic Squares

Summer’s sweetest dessert gets a zesty twist with these tangy key lime pie bars that dance between creamy and bright.

Sunshine-soaked Florida keys inspire this vibrant treat bursting with citrusy magic.

A buttery graham cracker crust cradles the silky smooth filling, promising pure dessert bliss.

Tart key limes merge with sweet condensed milk to create an irresistible balance of flavors.

Each bite delivers a refreshing punch that cuts through warm afternoons like a cool breeze.

These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy that will make you the star of any gathering.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that captures the essence of tropical indulgence.

Baking Gear For Key Lime Pie Bars

• Baking Pan (8-inch or 9-inch): Essential for creating perfectly sized key lime pie bars.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Medium Bowl: Needed for mixing graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for whisking filling components together.
• Whisk: Vital for smoothly combining egg yolks, condensed milk, and lime juice.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Zester or Grater: Used to create fresh lime zest for intense flavor.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise cutting of chilled bars.

How To Whip Up Key Lime Pie Bars

• Prepare the Crust

Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter and sugar until it forms a sandy texture. Press this mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating a solid base for your delicious bars.

• Create the Zesty Filling

Whisk egg yolks with fresh lime zest until they become smooth and slightly thickened. Blend in sweetened condensed milk, then add fresh lime juice, stirring until the mixture is completely combined and silky.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the vibrant lime filling over the pre-baked crust. Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake until the center is just set but still has a gentle wiggle when nudged.

• Chill and Set

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to the refrigerator and let them firm up for several hours, which will help them slice cleanly and develop a rich, creamy texture.

• Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into neat squares and serve chilled. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.

Tips & Twists For Key Lime Pie Bars

• Zesty Lime Intensity: Boost lime flavor by adding an extra teaspoon of lime zest or using both lime zest and juice for a more vibrant, tangy profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making them perfect for party planning or weekend gatherings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or use crushed gluten-free cookies like almond or coconut flour-based options.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free butter alternative for a lactose-free version.
• Topping Creativity: Experiment with toppings like toasted coconut flakes, fresh berries, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce to add extra visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Serving Ideas For Key Lime Pie Bars

• Tropical Vacation Vibes: Serve these zesty bars alongside a chilled mojito or piña colada for a mini tropical getaway right at home.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange bars on a beautiful white platter with fresh mint leaves and lime wedges for a sophisticated presentation that screams summer sophistication.
• Brunch Showstopper: Pair these tangy bars with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful weekend brunch dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy sweet cravings.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack these portable bars in a cooler for outdoor adventures, making them an ideal dessert for beach trips, park picnics, or backyard gatherings where refreshing flavors are welcome.

Make-Ahead & Storage For Key Lime Pie Bars

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezing Magic: Freeze prepared bars for up to 3 months by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing inside a freezer-safe container, perfect for advance preparation.
• Serving Temperature Tricks: Remove bars from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing their creamy texture and allowing flavors to bloom.
• Leftover Love Strategy: Keep chilled bars in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, always covering to protect against moisture and maintain optimal taste quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Sweet & Tangy: What Goes Into Key Lime Pie Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the classic crispy foundation with a sweet, traditional flavor that complements the tangy filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the crust's sweetness and helps create a cohesive texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds rich, golden undertones.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the overall flavor profile.

• Egg Yolks: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture and helps the filling set perfectly.
• Lime Zest: Intensifies the citrusy aroma and adds bright, fresh notes to the filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Delivers a velvety smooth consistency and natural sweetness.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Provides the signature tangy punch and signature key lime flavor.

• Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, rich bars.
• Powdered Sugar: Offers a delicate sweet dusting and elegant finishing touch.

Tangy Key Lime Pie Bars

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• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Creamy key lime pie bars deliver a tangy tropical dessert perfect for summer gatherings. Zesty lime filling nestled on a graham cracker crust promises a refreshing slice of Florida’s classic flavor profile that you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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• 6 tbsps (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh Key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
• 1 tbsp lime zest
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Set oven to 350F (175C) and line an 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, creating extended edges for effortless removal.
2. Create Crust Foundation: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt into a uniform mixture, then press firmly into the pan’s base. Toast the crust for 8-10 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp texture, then cool to room temperature.
3. Craft Lime Filling: Whisk egg yolks and lime zest until slightly thickened, then fold in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Gently incorporate freshly squeezed lime juice, mixing until the filling becomes completely homogeneous and vibrant.
4. Bake and Set: Pour the zesty filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, then return to the oven. Bake 15-18 minutes until the center displays a subtle jiggle, indicating perfect custard-like consistency.
5. Chill and Serve: Cool the bars completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to solidify and intensify flavors. Using parchment paper overhang, lift the dessert from the pan and slice into precise squares. Garnish optionally with whipped cream or powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Zest Strategically: Grate lime zest before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and prevent drying out the lime.
• Prevent Curdling: Temper egg yolks gradually with condensed milk to avoid scrambling and maintain smooth filling consistency.
• Crust Compression Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact, stable base that won’t crumble when cutting.
• Chilling Matters: Refrigerate bars for at least 3 hours to develop deeper flavor complexity and ensure clean, precise cutting lines.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg