Key Lime Bars Recipe

These Key Lime Bars Recipe are the perfect twist on the classic key lime pie, transformed into bite-sized bars that everyone will love. With their refreshing taste and creamy texture, they make an ideal dessert for celebrations, summer picnics, or just a sunny afternoon treat. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust and tangy key lime filling creates a delightful balance of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars fit right in.
• Refreshing Flavor: The zingy key lime flavor paired with the creamy texture is incredibly refreshing, especially on warm days.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them plain or topped with whipped cream; these bars adapt to your personal preference!
• Make Ahead Option: These key lime bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy them whenever you like.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious key lime bars, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Quickly crushes graham crackers into fine crumbs for the crust.
• Stand mixer: Ensures that your cream cheese mixture is smooth and free of lumps for a perfect filling.
• Baking pan: The right size allows for even cooking and easy removal of the bars once set.

Ingredients

These key lime bars are just like the classic key lime pie, just made into easy bite sized bars. They’re made from an easy graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy key lime cheesecake filling and are topped with a delicious key lime whipped cream. This key lime dessert is the perfect, refreshing treat to enjoy on a hot day.

Ingredients:
– 1¾ cups crushed graham crackers (about 12 sheets)
– ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar
– 1 key lime, zested
– 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
– 8 oz. (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
– 2 14 oz. cans sweetened condensed milk
– ½ cup (118 ml) key lime juice, room temperature
– 2 key limes, zested
– ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
– 1 tbsp (13 g) sugar
– 2 tsp (10 ml) key lime juice
– 1 key lime zest, optional

How to Make Key Lime Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F (177 C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper along the bottom and two sides to make removing the bars easier later.

Step 2: Prepare Graham Cracker Crust

Place the sheets of graham crackers in a food processor or plastic zip-lock bag. Crush them until they reach a sand-like consistency. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with light brown sugar and zest from one key lime. Stir in melted butter until well combined; it should resemble wet sand.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Evenly press your graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 10 minutes until set. Allow it to cool on a cooling rack while preparing the filling.

Step 4: Make Key Lime Filling

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk while mixing on low speed. Incorporate room temperature key lime juice and zest until fully combined; ensure there are minimal lumps for a creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine and Bake Filling

Pour the filling over your cooled crust in the baking pan. Bake again for about another 10 minutes to help set the filling slightly.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Allow your baked bars to cool at room temperature before covering them. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4–6 hours but ideally overnight for best results.

Step 7: Whip Cream Topping

If desired, prepare whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with sugar and additional key lime juice until soft peaks form.

Step 8: Serve Your Key Lime Bars

Once chilled thoroughly, cut your bars into squares. Top each piece with lightly sweetened whipped cream and extra zest from a key lime if desired before serving!

How to Serve Key Lime Bars Recipe

Key lime bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. They are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply as a refreshing treat at home. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your key lime bars experience.

Classic Serving

• Serve chilled key lime bars directly from the fridge for a refreshing bite.

With Fresh Berries

• Top each bar with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to add color and a burst of flavor.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and sweetness.

Garnished with Lime Zest

• Sprinkle additional key lime zest over the bars before serving for a vibrant touch.

With Coconut Flakes

• Toasted coconut flakes can complement the citrus flavors beautifully when sprinkled on top.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich and creamy contrast to the tartness of the bars.

How to Perfect Key Lime Bars Recipe

Creating the perfect key lime bars requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your dessert turns out flawlessly.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Fresh Key Lime Juice: Always opt for freshly squeezed key lime juice instead of bottled juice for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can result in a dry filling.
• Chill Properly: Allow enough chilling time after baking. Ideally, let them chill overnight for optimal flavor and texture.
• Cut with Warm Knife: Use a warm knife to slice through the bars for clean edges without crumbling.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like toasted meringue or flavored whipped cream for added flair.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Bars Recipe

Key lime bars pair well with various side dishes that enhance their zesty flavor. Here are some great options to serve alongside them:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and kiwi complements the tartness of key lime bars beautifully.
2. Pineapple Sorbet: This light and refreshing sorbet offers a sweet contrast to the tartness of your dessert.
3. Coconut Rice: The mild sweetness of coconut rice pairs nicely with the tangy flavors of key lime.
4. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers make for an excellent savory balance next to sweet key lime bars.
5. Minty Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad garnished with mint can cleanse the palate between bites.
6. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie, which provide a creamy counterpoint to the zesty dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making key lime bars is a delightful experience, but it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Using stale graham crackers – Make sure your graham crackers are fresh for the best crust texture. Stale crackers can lead to a soggy base.
• Skipping the chilling time – Allowing the bars to chill is essential for setting the filling properly. Skipping this step can result in a runny texture.
• Overmixing the filling – While mixing, be careful not to overbeat the cream cheese. This can introduce too much air, causing cracks in the final product.
• Not adjusting for sweetness – Everyone’s taste is different; consider tasting the filling before baking and adjust the sweetness if needed. You can add more lime juice or sweetened condensed milk to balance flavors.
• Forgetting to zest properly – Key lime zest adds essential flavor. Be sure to zest only the green part of the lime peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store key lime bars in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Key Lime Bars Recipe

• Key lime bars can be frozen for up to three months.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Key Lime Bars Recipe

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual squares on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Place in a pan on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key lime bars are popular treats that often come with questions. Here are some answers:

Can I make this Key Lime Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour as an alternative for the crust.

How do I know when my key lime filling is set?

The filling should be slightly firm but still have a bit of jiggle when you shake the pan gently after baking.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

While you can substitute regular limes, it may alter the flavor profile slightly. Key limes have a distinct tartness that enhances this dessert.

How long should I chill key lime bars?

It’s best to chill them for at least 4-6 hours, but overnight is ideal for achieving perfect texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These key lime bars offer a refreshing twist on classic desserts, making them perfect for any occasion. Their creamy filling combined with a crunchy crust makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize your bars by adding toppings like fresh berries or coconut flakes. Try making this recipe today and enjoy a delightful treat!

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Key Lime Bars Recipe

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Experience a delightful twist on the classic dessert with our Key Lime Bars Recipe. These bite-sized treats combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich, creamy key lime filling, creating a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Ideal for summer picnics, birthday celebrations, or as a refreshing treat during sunny afternoons, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare and customizable with toppings like whipped cream or fresh berries, they can also be made ahead of time for convenience. Enjoy every mouthful of this zesty delight!

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1¾ cups crushed graham crackers
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 cans sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup key lime juice
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, crush graham crackers until sandy. Mix with brown sugar and lime zest; stir in melted butter until combined.
3. Press mixture into the baking pan and bake for 10 minutes. Allow cooling.
4. In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, then mix in key lime juice and zest.
5. Pour filling over the cooled crust and bake for another 10 minutes.
6. Cool at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Whip heavy cream with sugar and lime juice; top bars before serving.

• Author: Adriana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Classic American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Use fresh key limes for the best flavor. Experiment with toppings such as toasted coconut or fresh berries for added texture.