These Key Lime Pie Bars bring a burst of bright flavor with zesty lime juice and a crunchy graham cracker crust. They are the perfect treat for sunny days!
Plus, they’re super easy to make! Just mix, bake, and chill. I love serving them with a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s like a summer party in every bite! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: This is the base for the crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor. Some people enjoy using gluten-free crackers too!
Cream Cheese: The star of the filling! Make sure it’s softened so it mixes well. If you want a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free version, try a cream cheese alternative made from nuts or tofu.
Lime Juice and Zest: Fresh limes provide the best flavor, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Remember that zest adds extra zing, so try to use fresh limes for both juice and zest whenever possible. You can also use lemon if needed!
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is for the topping to create rich whipped cream. You can substitute it with coconut cream for a dairy-free option, or use a whipped topping if you need something quicker.
How Can I Ensure My Filling Is Perfectly Set?
Getting the filling just right is crucial to a delicious Key Lime Pie Bar. You want it to be set but still a bit wobbly in the center, which means it will firm up more as it chills. Here’s how to achieve that silky texture:
- Mix cream cheese and sugar until creamy, making sure there are no lumps before adding the other ingredients.
- When incorporating eggs, add them one at a time and mix just until blended to avoid overmixing, which can lead to cracks.
- Watch carefully while baking; 20-25 minutes is key. If it puffs up too much, it can crack as it cools.
- Let it cool completely before chilling in the fridge to set properly. This helps with firmness and flavor enhancement!
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
- Zest of 2 limes
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lime for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, plus some extra time for chilling in the fridge. Overall, you should set aside around 2 hours and 45 minutes to let everything come together perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grab an 8×8-inch baking dish. You can grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper for an easy way to lift out the bars later.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until it’s all mixed and crumbly. This will be our crust! Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s nice and even!
3. Bake the Crust:
Pop the crust into the oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s just turning a lovely golden color. Once it’s ready, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Make the Filling:
Now, in a large mixing bowl, let’s get the filling ready! Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy—that should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the fresh lime juice, lime zest, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s fully combined and creamy.
5. Pour and Bake the Filling:
Carefully pour the lime filling over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Now it’s time to bake again! Place it back in the oven for 20-25 minutes. The filling should be set but still have a little wiggle in the center. Once done, let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.
6. Prepare the Topping:
After chilling, it’s time for the topping! In a bowl, whip together the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This should take a few minutes. Spread this whipped cream evenly over the top of your chilled lime filling.
7. Garnish and Serve:
For a pretty touch, sprinkle some lime zest on top of the whipped cream. Now, you can cut the bars into squares and enjoy them chilled! Don’t forget to store any leftovers in the fridge so they stay fresh.
Can I Use Alternative Sweeteners in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with alternatives like erythritol or stevia, but keep in mind that sweetness levels can vary. If using a liquid sweetener, like honey or agave syrup, reduce the lime juice slightly to maintain the right consistency.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Limes?
No worries! You can use bottled lime juice, but opt for 100% pure juice with no added sugar for the best flavor. Replace fresh lime juice with a little less than half a cup, and keep in mind that fresh zest provides a fresher flavor, so you might want to skip that if using bottled juice.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover key lime pie bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free alternative. There are many gluten-free graham cracker options available in stores, or you can make your own using gluten-free cookies. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free!
