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To make these tasty key lime pie bars, you will need: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for crust) - 2 cups sweetened condensed milk - ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice - 3 large egg yolks - 1 tablespoon key lime zest - ¼ teaspoon salt These ingredients blend together to create a creamy filling with a crunchy crust. To make your key lime pie bars even better, consider adding: - Whipped cream for topping - Lime slices for garnish These simple toppings add a lovely touch and enhance the look of your bars. If you need to swap some ingredients, here are a few ideas: - Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for the crust. - Try coconut cream as a dairy-free option in place of sweetened condensed milk. - Lemon juice can work if you can't find key lime juice. These substitutions still keep the bars delicious while fitting your needs. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This will help your bars release easily after baking. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and ⅓ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased baking pan. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of freshly squeezed key lime juice, 3 large egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of key lime zest, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined. This mixture will give your bars that zesty and creamy flavor. Pour the key lime filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The filling should be set, with slightly puffed edges. It’s okay if the center is a bit jiggly. This ensures a creamy texture. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the bars firm up and makes them easier to cut. When ready to serve, cut into squares and top with whipped cream and a slice of lime for a refreshing finish. To get the best texture for your Key Lime Pie Bars, focus on your filling. Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, zest, and salt until smooth. This step is key. A smooth filling helps create a creamy bar. After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature. Then chill them in the fridge for at least two hours. This waiting time makes the bars set up well. Many home cooks make simple mistakes. One common mistake is overbaking the bars. Bake them just until the edges puff slightly. The center should still jiggle a bit. Another mistake is not cooling the crust enough before adding the filling. Make sure your crust is cool. This helps keep the bars from getting soggy. Lastly, don't skip the refrigeration time. Chilling the bars ensures they hold their shape when cut. Presentation adds fun to your dessert. Cut the bars into even squares for a nice look. Place them on a beautiful platter. You can sprinkle extra lime zest on top for color. A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy touch. For a final touch, add a lime slice on each bar. This makes them pop and look inviting. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_2}} You can make gluten-free key lime pie bars easily. Just switch regular graham crackers for gluten-free ones. Look for brands made with almond flour or coconut flour. Use the same amount as in the recipe. Your crust will still taste great and hold together well. To make vegan key lime pie bars, replace the egg yolks with silken tofu. Blend the tofu until smooth and creamy. You can also use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk. This change keeps the pie bars creamy and delicious without using dairy or eggs. You can add fun flavors to your key lime pie bars. Try mixing in some coconut or a bit of ginger for a spicy kick. You can also use different citrus fruits like blood orange or lemon for a unique twist. These small changes can make your dessert stand out and surprise your guests. To keep your key lime pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use a shallow container to hold the bars without stacking them. This method keeps the whipped cream topping nice and fluffy. If you have leftovers, place a piece of wax paper between the layers. This prevents sticking and helps maintain texture. You can freeze these bars if you want to save some for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best taste. These key lime pie bars last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If stored properly, they can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Always check for any changes in texture or smell before eating. This ensures you enjoy them at their best. Key limes are smaller and rounder than regular limes. They have a unique taste that is more tart and aromatic. The juice from key limes is bright and bold, which is perfect for desserts. Regular limes can work, but they will change the flavor. Key limes give your pie bars that classic taste you crave. Yes, you can make Key Lime Pie Bars ahead of time. They taste great after chilling in the fridge. You can prepare them a day before serving. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for when you are ready to enjoy them. You can tell the bars are done when the edges are set and slightly puffed. The center may still jiggle a bit, which is okay. When you take them out of the oven, they will firm up as they cool. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. You can find pre-made Key Lime Pie Bars at some bakeries and grocery stores. Look for them in the dessert section. Some stores also sell them in the freezer aisle. If you are in a hurry, you can check local shops or order them online. You learned the key steps to make tasty Key Lime Pie Bars. We went over essential ingredients, making the crust, and preparing the filling. Tips for success and fun variations will help you impress. Always store your bars properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making these delicious treats and sharing them with friends and family. Remember, baking is fun and rewarding. Try these tips, and you’ll create bars everyone loves!

Key Lime Pie Bars

Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars! With a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy key lime filling, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Discover the simple steps to create this refreshing dessert that’s sure to impress. Perfect for sharing or enjoying yourself, click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

⅓ cup granulated sugar (for crust)

2 cups sweetened condensed milk

½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice

3 large egg yolks

1 tablespoon key lime zest

¼ teaspoon salt

Whipped cream for topping

Lime slices for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

      Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8x8-inch baking pan. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden. Let it cool.

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

          Combine and Pour: Pour the filling over the cooled crust evenly, smoothing out the top.

            Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the filling is set. The edges will slightly puff but the center may still be a bit jiggly.

              Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven, let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.

                Serve: Once fully chilled, cut into squares. Top each square with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a slice of lime.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 2 hrs 30 min | Servings: About 16 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bars on a serving platter and sprinkle lime zest on top for extra color. Use decorative plates for a beautiful presentation!