Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars
Introduction
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of summer with our Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars, a delightful twist on the classic dessert. These creamy and tangy bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and luscious key lime filling, and a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch. Whether served at a backyard barbecue, poolside picnic, or summer soirée, these Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
History of Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is a beloved dessert with roots in the Florida Keys, where it has been enjoyed for over a century. The traditional recipe calls for a filling made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, all poured into a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream or meringue. Our Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars pay homage to this classic dessert, offering a convenient and portable twist that’s perfect for serving at parties or enjoying on the go. With their irresistible combination of tangy lime flavor, creamy texture, and buttery crust, these bars are sure to evoke memories of summer days spent by the sea.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Key Lime Filling:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust.
3. Prepare the Key Lime Filling:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and key lime zest until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Bake the Bars:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the bars for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
5. Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
6. Serve the Bars:
- Once the bars are chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board.
- Cut the bars into squares using a sharp knife.
- Dollop each bar with a generous spoonful of whipped cream just before serving.
- Enjoy the creamy and tangy goodness of these Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars as a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve successfully made Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars, a delightful dessert that’s sure to brighten any summer gathering. With their buttery graham cracker crust, creamy key lime filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping, these bars are a delicious twist on the classic key lime pie. Whether enjoyed at a backyard barbecue, picnic in the park, or family dinner, Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.