Key Lime Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Key Lime Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert for key lime lovers. The combination of the crunchy vanilla wafer cookie crust, the creamy lime filling, and the fluffy whipped cream topping makes for a dessert that is both satisfying and refreshing. They are easy to make, and the best part is that they can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for entertaining or a special treat at home.

Ingredients

→ For the Cookie Crust

• 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely ground (250g)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

→ For the Key Lime Pie Filling

• 1 tablespoon lime zest, packed (from 6-7 key limes)
• 5 large egg yolks
• 22 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 14-ounce can and 3/4 cup from a second can)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

→ For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Cookie Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely ground vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and light brown sugar. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the mixture is slightly moist.
3. Press into the Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to create an even layer.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

For the Key Lime Pie Filling:

5. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime zest and egg yolks until well combined.
6. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
7. Add the Lime Juice: Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
8. Pour the Filling: Pour the lime filling over the cooled cookie crust in the baking pan. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.
9. Bake the Bars: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. The filling should not be jiggly or runny.
10. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate them for at least 3 hours, or until they are completely chilled and set.

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

11. Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
12. Top the Bars: Once the bars are fully chilled, spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top of the lime filling. You can either spread it evenly or pipe it for a decorative look.
13. Serve: Slice the bars into squares and serve immediately. Garnish with extra lime zest or lime slices if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9-12 bars
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 23-28 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free vanilla wafers to make this dessert gluten-free.
• Coconut Crust: Add shredded coconut to the cookie crust for an added tropical flavor.
• Berry Topping: Top the whipped cream with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
• Key Lime Pie: If you prefer traditional key lime pie, bake the filling directly in a pre-baked graham cracker crust instead of making bars.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can use regular limes if key limes aren’t available. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They need to be refrigerated for at least 3 hours, so they can be prepared a day in advance.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch.

How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling will be set when it has firmed up around the edges but still has a slight wobble in the center. It will firm up completely after being chilled.

Can I skip the whipped cream topping?

You can, but the whipped cream topping adds a wonderful creamy texture and balances the tartness of the key lime filling. If you prefer a simpler version, you can serve the bars without the topping or use a light dusting of powdered sugar instead.

Conclusion

These Key Lime Pie Bars with Vanilla Wafer Cookie Crust are a perfect dessert for any occasion. The creamy, tangy lime filling pairs beautifully with the buttery, crunchy crust, and the whipped cream topping adds a final touch of decadence. Whether you’re making them for a summer party or a special treat at home, these bars are sure to become a favorite!

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