Delicious Key Lime Bars Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite? Look no further than these irresistible Key Lime Bars. A delightful twist on the classic key lime pie, these bars boast a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy and tangy lime filling, and a dollop of freshly whipped cream that will leave your taste buds singing.

These Key Lime Bars have been my go-to summer entertaining secret weapon for years, and for good reason. The perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite will have your guests coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe. Trust me, these bars are so delicious, they’ll disappear faster than you can imagine, leaving everyone craving more.

I’ve spent years perfecting this Key Lime Bars recipe, ensuring that each bite is packed with zesty lime flavor and creamy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a beach picnic, a backyard barbecue, or an elegant dinner party, these bars are sure to impress. So whip up a batch, chill them in the refrigerator, and get ready to watch them vanish before your eyes. These Key Lime Bars are a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more!

Quick Benefits

• Perfect balance of flavors: Tangy-sweet lime filling paired with buttery graham cracker crust
• Easy to make with minimal effort: Impressive dessert that comes together quickly
• Creamy texture that holds its shape: Using just egg yolks creates a smooth and sliceable consistency

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Key Lime Bars Recipe Recipe

• Refreshing Summer Dessert: These key lime bars are the perfect treat for warm-weather gatherings, offering a refreshing and tangy flavor profile that is sure to delight your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these bars come together with minimal effort, making them a great option for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The buttery graham cracker crust, tangy-sweet lime filling, and fresh whipped cream create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you reaching for seconds.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Impress your guests with these key lime bars that are guaranteed to disappear faster than any other dessert; they are a hit at beach picnics, backyard barbecues, and elegant dinner parties alike.
• Versatile Recipe: Experiment with variations such as lemon bars, tropical coconut-infused bars, or a chocolate-drizzled version to cater to different preferences and occasions.
• Make-Ahead Option: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, and they also freeze well for up to a month, allowing you to prepare them in advance for convenience.
• Beautiful Presentation: Serve these chilled bars on a platter garnished with fresh berries, lime slices, and mint sprigs for a stunning display that will elevate any table setting.
• Personal Touch: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these key lime bars offer an opportunity to add your own flair and creativity by customizing the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Delicious Key Lime Bars Recipe

Crust

• 1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Filling

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 Tablespoon lime zest
• 6 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup key lime juice
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Topping

• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1 teaspoon confectioners sugar

How to Make Delicious Key Lime Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep oven and pan

Preheat oven to 325°F and line an 8×8 inch pan with greased foil.

Step 2: Make crust

Combine graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Start filling

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until softened. Mix in condensed milk until smooth.

Step 4: Add egg yolks

Add the egg yolks individually, one at a time, and mix well.

Step 5: Add lime

Incorporate lime zest and lime juice into the mixture.

Step 6: Bake bars

Pour the filling into the crust and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for a minimum of 2 hours.

Step 7: Add topping

Beat the cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Dollop whipped cream and lime zest on top of each bar.

Storage Tips

To store the finished key lime bars, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The bars will keep beautifully for up to five days, maintaining their flavor and texture. For the best presentation, it is recommended to add the whipped cream just before serving to ensure it stays fresh and fluffy.

If you have leftovers or want to make these bars in advance, they can also be frozen for up to a month. Freeze the bars in a suitable container and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before adding the whipped cream and serving. This make-ahead option is convenient for last-minute entertaining or when you need a quick sweet treat. By storing these key lime bars properly, you can enjoy their delicious flavors and creamy texture even after a few days, making them a versatile dessert for various occasions.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs for a similar crust texture. Instead of key lime juice, you can use regular lime juice or a combination of lime and lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor profile. To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can replace the eggs with a commercial egg replacer or silken tofu for a creamy texture without compromising the taste.

For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. You can use plant-based butter in place of regular butter for a vegan option. To add a crunchy texture, consider mixing in some crushed nuts like almonds or pecans into the crust mixture. Feel free to experiment with different garnishes such as toasted shredded coconut, chopped pistachios, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a unique twist on the classic key lime bars.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and elegant presentation, serve these key lime bars on a white platter garnished with fresh lime slices and sprigs of mint. The vibrant colors will pop against the creamy bars, creating a beautiful display that will impress your guests. To add a burst of freshness and a touch of sweetness, place a few fresh berries alongside each bar for a colorful and flavorful contrast.

To switch things up and tantalize your taste buds, try creating a tropical variation of these key lime bars by adding a hint of coconut extract to the filling and garnishing with toasted coconut instead of lime zest. The combination of coconut and lime will transport you to a sunny beach destination with every bite. Another creative twist is to drizzle the chilled bars with melted dark chocolate before topping with whipped cream for a decadent and indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.

FAQs for Delicious Key Lime Bars Recipe

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh key lime juice?

While fresh key lime juice will give you the best flavor, you can substitute bottled lime juice if needed. Just make sure it’s 100% lime juice without any added sweeteners or preservatives for the closest taste.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the crust?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for the crust to control the saltiness of the final dish. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but consider reducing the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

Do I have to use graham crackers for the crust, or can I use a different type of cookie?

Graham crackers provide the classic flavor for the crust, but you can experiment with other cookies like vanilla wafers or shortbread if desired. Just make sure to adjust the sugar amount accordingly based on the sweetness of the chosen cookie.

Can I make these key lime bars ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, these bars freeze well for up to a month. Store them in an airtight container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the whipped cream and serving for the best results.

Conclusion

Key Lime Bars are truly a dessert that never fails to impress and delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The creamy lime filling atop the buttery graham cracker crust is a match made in dessert heaven, and the versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations to suit your taste preferences.

So next time you’re looking for a dessert that will steal the show at any gathering, look no further than these Key Lime Bars. With their refreshing flavor and simple yet elegant presentation, they are a surefire way to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to bask in the compliments and requests for the recipe at your next get-together. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of these delightful Key Lime Bars!

Delicious Key Lime Bars Recipe

Tangy-sweet key lime bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and fresh whipped cream—a refreshing dessert that disappears fast at any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time40 Minutes

Total Time55 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings9 Servings (9 bars)

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Filling

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 Tablespoon lime zest
• 6 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup key lime juice
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Topping

• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 1 teaspoon confectioners sugar

Instructions

1. Prep oven and pan: Preheat oven to 325°F and line an 8×8 inch pan with greased foil.
2. Make crust: Combine graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
3. Start filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until softened. Mix in condensed milk until smooth.
4. Add egg yolks: Add the egg yolks individually, one at a time, and mix well.
5. Add lime: Incorporate lime zest and lime juice into the mixture.
6. Bake bars: Pour the filling into the crust and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for a minimum of 2 hours.
7. Add topping: Beat the cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Dollop whipped cream and lime zest on top of each bar.