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When making Key Lime Pie Bars, the right ingredients are key to great flavor. Here’s what you need: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 6-8 limes) - Zest of 2 limes - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk - ¼ teaspoon salt - Optional toppings: whipped cream, lime slices, coconut flakes These simple ingredients combine to create a refreshing dessert. The graham cracker crumbs give the crust a sweet crunch. The coconut adds a delightful twist to the flavor. Fresh key lime juice is essential for that tangy taste. Don't skip the lime zest! It boosts the lime flavor even more. Using unsweetened coconut keeps the bars from being too sweet. Sweetened condensed milk gives the filling its creamy texture. The eggs help bind everything together. Always remember to use fresh ingredients for the best results. If you want to dress up your bars, consider topping them with whipped cream or lime slices. A sprinkle of coconut flakes makes it look stunning. Enjoy the mix of sweet and tart in every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the crust bake evenly. 2. Mixing the crust ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of shredded coconut, and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well coated. 3. Pressing the crust into the pan: Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for about 10 minutes, until it turns lightly golden. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling. 1. Whisking together sugar and eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 3 large eggs until the mixture is smooth. 2. Adding liquids and other ingredients: Next, add ½ cup of fresh key lime juice, the zest of 2 limes, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk until everything is blended well. 3. Pouring over the crust: Pour this key lime filling over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly to ensure a nice, smooth top. 1. Baking time and temperature: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the filling to be set but still a bit jiggly in the center. 2. Signs to look for to check doneness: When done, the edges should be firm. The center can move slightly when you shake the pan. This means it's ready to cool. To make a firm and tasty crust, use fresh graham cracker crumbs. Crush them finely for the best texture. Mix in unsweetened shredded coconut for a fun twist. Coconut adds flavor and a chewy bite. Melted unsalted butter helps bind the crumbs together. Press the mixture firmly into the pan for a solid base. If you want alternatives to graham cracker crumbs, try digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. They work well and can change the flavor a bit. You can even use crushed nuts for a gluten-free option. Freshness of key lime juice matters a lot. Always use fresh juice for a bright taste. You can squeeze limes right before use. Avoid bottled juice, as it lacks the same flavor. Fresh zest adds depth too, so don't skip it. To avoid overbaking, watch the filling closely. Bake until it is set but still slightly jiggly in the middle. This gives a creamy texture. If you bake it too long, it can become rubbery. For a great presentation, cut the bars into neat squares. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds creaminess and looks nice. Garnish with lime slices and extra coconut flakes for color. To enhance the flavor, serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well too. Each bite will be a refreshing treat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Key Limes: For the best flavor, always use fresh key limes rather than bottled juice. The taste difference is significant! Chill for Perfect Texture: Allowing the bars to chill in the refrigerator for several hours helps them set properly, resulting in a firmer texture that's easier to cut. Customize the Crust: Feel free to mix in some crushed macadamia nuts with the graham cracker crumbs for an added crunch and a tropical flavor boost. Whipped Cream Variation: For a unique twist, consider adding a hint of coconut extract to your whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor when serving. {{image_2}} Adding shredded coconut to the crust gives it a nice twist. The coconut adds a chewy texture and a tropical flavor. Mix ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut with the graham cracker crumbs. This small change takes your bars to the next level. You can enjoy the taste of the tropics in every bite. You can also try mixing in other fruits. Mango or raspberry pairs well with key lime. Just mash or puree the fruit and add it to the filling. This will give your bars a fun color and taste. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers. The flavor will still shine, and everyone can enjoy them. Key Lime Pie Bars are fun and easy to serve. They are different from a traditional Key Lime Pie. You can cut them into small squares or larger rectangles. This makes them perfect for parties or picnics. For a creative touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or more whipped cream. Add lime slices and coconut flakes on top for a pretty look. To keep your key lime pie bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture away and preserves flavor. Make sure they are fully cooled before you store them. If you have not sliced them yet, it’s best to keep them whole. You can also freeze key lime pie bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method protects them from freezer burn. They can stay frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to eat. When stored properly, key lime pie bars last about one week in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage, like a change in color or texture. If you notice any off smells or mold, it’s best to throw them away. For frozen bars, after thawing, consume them within a few days for the best taste. Yes, you can use regular limes if needed. However, the taste will change. Key limes are smaller and have a unique tartness. This tartness gives key lime pie its special flavor. If you use regular limes, the bars may taste less bright and zesty. To boost the flavor, add zest from more limes. You can try using fresh herbs like mint to add a refreshing twist. A pinch of ginger can also bring an interesting depth. Experiment with flavors that you enjoy. Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk. You can also use dairy-free butter for the crust. This will keep the dessert creamy and rich without dairy. Absolutely! These bars are great for making ahead. You can prepare them up to two days in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you are ready to serve. This lets the flavors meld nicely. One common mistake is overbaking the bars. The center should be slightly jiggly when you take them out. Another mistake is not using fresh lime juice. Fresh juice gives a much better taste than bottled juice. Lastly, make sure to cool the crust properly before adding the filling. We covered the core elements for making tasty Key Lime Pie Bars. You learned about essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting your bars. Remember, freshness is key for the best flavor, and simple tweaks can bring new life to the recipe. Store them well to keep their taste and texture. Enjoy sharing these delicious bars with friends and family. With a bit of practice, you will impress everyone with your baking skills. Happy baking!

Key Lime Pie Bars with a Coconut Twist

Delicious key lime pie bars with a hint of coconut, perfect for a refreshing dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 0.5 cups fresh key lime juice
  • 2 zest limes
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • to taste whipped cream for topping (optional)
  • to taste lime slices and coconut flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until well combined.
  • Add the fresh key lime juice, lime zest, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
  • Pour the key lime filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set further.
  • Once set, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars.
  • Serve topped with a dollop of whipped cream and garnished with lime slices and extra coconut flakes if desired.

Notes

Chill for at least 2 hours before serving for best results.
Keyword coconut, dessert, key lime, pie bars