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Delicious Key Lime Pie Bars with a buttery crust and creamy lime filling

Key Lime Pie Bars

Key Lime Pie Bars offer a refreshing twist on the classic dessert, combining the tartness of key limes with a buttery crust and a creamy topping, perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Summer Treat
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies (finely ground) Can substitute with graham cracker crumbs.
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free version.
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar Granulated sugar can be used as an alternative.
For the filling
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest Avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.
  • 5 large egg yolks Make sure yolks are at room temperature.
  • 22 ounces sweetened condensed milk Use fresh for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice Bottled lime juice can be a substitute but may not taste as fresh.
For the topping
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream Avoid over-whipping to maintain smoothness.
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar Sift before measuring to avoid clumps.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the finely ground vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar until fully combined.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch pan.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
Making the Filling
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
  2. Slowly add in the sweetened condensed milk and freshly squeezed lime juice, whisking until well combined.
  3. Stir in the lime zest until evenly distributed.
Baking the Bars
  1. Remove the crust from the oven and pour the lime filling evenly over the warm crust.
  2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is just set and slightly jiggly.
  3. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  4. In the meantime, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
  5. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled bars before serving.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling. Customize with a berry topping or serve in individual cups for a fun twist. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.