These Key Lime Pie Bars are a bright and zesty treat! With a buttery crust and creamy lime filling, they are refreshing and perfect for warm days.
Who can resist that tangy sweetness? I love serving them chilled, topped with a bit of whipped cream. Just be careful—they disappear fast! 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These make a great crust! If you can’t find graham crackers, try using digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient adds creaminess and sweetness. If you’re lactose-intolerant, look for coconut condensed milk which can give a nice tropical twist!
Key Lime Juice: Fresh key limes are ideal for the best flavor, but regular limes work in a pinch. If you’re in a bind, bottled key lime juice is also available.
Sour Cream: It adds a tangy flavor. Greek yogurt can serve as a healthy substitute, bringing a similar creaminess while cutting some fat.
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Firm Filling?
To ensure your pie bars set perfectly, keep an eye on the baking time! Your filling should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out. Here’s how to make it just right:
- Beat the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, key lime juice, and egg yolks until smooth. This ensures even mixing and prevents lumps.
- When pouring the filling over the crust, make sure to spread it evenly to avoid uneven cooking.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps them set properly and improves their texture!
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 large egg yolks
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Lime zest (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time, plus at least 3 hours to chill in the fridge. So, total time from start to ready-to-serve is about 4 hours, including the chill time. Perfect for making ahead of time for a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are nicely coated and look like wet sand. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a nice, even crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool a little.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is going to be the delicious filling!
4. Combine and Bake:
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly. Put the pan back in the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You want the filling to be set but with a slight jiggle in the middle—that’s how you know it’s perfect!
5. Cool and Chill:
After baking, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about an hour. Then, cover the pan and move it to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours. This will help the bars firm up and be easier to cut.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bars are chilled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares. Serve these refreshing treats topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest for that extra zing. Enjoy your homemade Key Lime Pie Bars!
Can I Use Regular Limes Instead of Key Limes?
Yes, you can! While key limes have a unique tart flavor, regular limes can be substituted. Just keep in mind that the taste might be slightly different, but your bars will still be delicious.
How to Store Leftover Key Lime Pie Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They taste even better after they’ve had time to chill and meld the flavors!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a suitable gluten-free alternative. Just double-check that the other ingredients (like the sweetened condensed milk and sour cream) are gluten-free as well.
What if My Filling Doesn’t Set Properly?
If your filling is still jiggly and hasn’t set, you can return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overbake. A little jiggle in the center is okay, as it will firm up once chilled in the refrigerator.
