– **Title**: Best Key Lime Pie Bars
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the crust**:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ⅓ cup sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– **For the filling**:
– 1 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
– 3 large egg yolks
– **For the topping**:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– Lime zest, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks until smooth.
6. Pour the filling mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
7. Bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggles in the center.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
9. For the topping, in a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
10. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled bars.
11. Garnish with fresh lime zest before cutting into squares and serving.
Enjoy your refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: This forms the tasty crust. You can use store-bought graham crackers or make your own by crushing plain digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. My personal favorite is using Teddy Grahams for a twist!
Sweetened condensed milk: This ingredient gives the filling its creamy sweetness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream can work well, but it will add a coconut flavor!
Key lime juice: Fresh key lime juice is best for its bright flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, regular lime juice can substitute. Just use fresh juice for the best taste! If fresh limes are hard to find, bottled key lime juice can work too.
Sour cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option, while still giving a creamy texture.
Heavy whipping cream: This is used for the topping. If you want a lighter topping, you can use whipped topping, but I always prefer whipping my own cream for that homemade touch!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Filling?
Creating a smooth filling for your Key Lime Pie Bars is crucial for the final texture. Start by making sure your key lime juice and egg yolks are at room temperature. This helps them mix better without lumps.
- Whisk the sweetened condensed milk and sour cream together first until smooth.
- Add in the egg yolks slowly, mixing continuously to keep the mixture smooth.
- Finally, gently fold in the key lime juice and zest without overmixing, so your filling stays airy.
This careful mixing ensures that your filling will be creamy and delicious, just like a perfect key lime pie! Remember, it’ll continue to set up nicely while it chills in the refrigerator.
How to Make Best Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup fresh key lime juice (about 6-8 key limes)
- Zest of 2 key limes
- 2 large egg yolks
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 key lime for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, and you’ll need at least 2 hours for chilling. So, set aside roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes. Most of that time is just waiting for the bars to chill and set, making this a simple treat to prepare!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir it all together until the mixture is well-combined. Then, press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking pan to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s set and lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Making the Filling:
In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, key lime juice, lime zest, and the egg yolks. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and nicely mixed. Now, pour this filling over your cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake again for another 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is just set. It’s okay if it still has a slight jiggle.
3. Chilling and Topping:
Take the pan out of the oven and let it cool down to room temperature. It’s important to let it cool before placing it in the fridge. After it cools down, pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing it to chill and set completely. When you’re ready to serve, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together in a bowl with a mixer until you get stiff peaks. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled bars. If you want, sprinkle some extra key lime zest for a beautiful touch.
4. Serving:
Slice the key lime bars into squares and serve them chilled. Enjoy every tasty bite of your Key Lime Pie Bars!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Absolutely! While key limes have a unique flavor, regular limes can be a great substitute. Just keep in mind that regular limes are typically a bit more tart, so it might slightly alter the taste of your bars. Use the same amount of juice and zest for best results.
How Do I Know When the Filling is Set?
The filling should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools and chills in the refrigerator. A good tip is to look for a slight sheen on the surface – that’s a sign it’s ready!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or even crushed gluten-free cookies that you enjoy. Just check the ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Key Lime Pie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It’s best to keep the whipped cream separate until you’re ready to serve, so it stays fresh and fluffy!
