Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars

Every time summer rolls in, I find myself craving something refreshingly sweet yet tart. That’s when I turn to my beloved Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars. It’s a delightful dessert that captures the essence of sunny days and brings back memories of beach picnics and family gatherings. The combination of lemon and lime in these bars is simply irresistible, and it’s hard not to sneak a piece (or two) before serving! I remember the first time I made these bars; the smell of the butter and crackers baking filled the kitchen, triggering an avalanche of nostalgia. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on a warm day, these bars are perfect.

Everything You Need for Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars

When it comes to the ingredients for Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars, each element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet and tart is achieved with high-quality lime and lemon juices, while the base made from Ritz crackers adds a delightful crunch. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers – The crunchy base that gives these bars their delightful texture.
• 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar – Adds sweetness and depth to the crust.
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, melted – Binds the crust ingredients and provides a rich flavor.
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
• 5 large egg yolks – Adds richness to the filling.
• 1 3/4 cups sweetened condensed milk – Gives the filling its creamy consistency and sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lime zest, plus 2/3 cup lime juice – Provides the essential tangy flavor.
• 3 tablespoons lemon or pink lemon juice – Brightens the filling with additional citrus notes.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Used for whipping to create a light topping.
• 1-2 tablespoons honey – Sweetens the cream topping naturally.
• Zest from 1 lime – Used for garnish to add freshness.
• Flaky sea salt – A finishing touch that adds texture and a hint of saltiness.

The Process for Making Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars

Making Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars is not only straightforward, but it’s also an enjoyable experience. You’ll see how quickly the process comes together, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to chill. Let’s dive into the steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper to make removal easy later on.
2. In a food processor, pulse the Ritz crackers along with the brown sugar until they turn into fine crumbs. It should resemble a sandy texture. Next, add the melted butter and 2 teaspoons of vanilla, pulsing again until everything is well combined. You want it to hold together when pressed.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan evenly. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until golden brown. As it bakes, the aroma of the crackers and butter will fill your kitchen, creating the perfect ambiance.
4. While the crust is baking, whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. The color should turn a bright yellow. Then, add the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice, lemon juice, and salt, whisking everything together until fully combined.
5. Once your crust is done, carefully pour the egg mixture over the crust, spreading evenly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until just set on top. You want it to be slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Allow the bars to cool slightly, then cover them and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours. This step is crucial as it allows them to set properly.
7. When you’re ready to serve, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This should take just a few minutes. Add the honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla, mixing until combined.
8. Swirl the whipped cream over the chilled bars, creating a beautiful topping. It should look fluffy and inviting.
9. In a small bowl, mix the lime zest and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bars to finish.
10. Slice into squares, and enjoy every bite! The bars will keep chilled in the fridge for up to 5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Recipe Notes about Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars

When making Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars, here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:

• Storage: Keep the bars covered in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and flavor. They should last up to 5 days, but they won’t last long once you taste them!
• Freezing: These bars can be frozen. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment! You can add a layer of fruit puree on top of the bars for added flavor.
• Serving Size: Cut the bars into smaller squares for a delightful bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties.
• Complementary Dishes: These bars pair well with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Picnic Perfection: These bars are ideal for summer picnics. They’re portable, easy to serve, and loved by everyone.
• Party Delight: Serve them at birthday parties or gatherings. Their bright appearance and flavor will be a crowd-pleaser.
• Refreshing Dessert: Pair these bars with a light summer salad for a well-rounded meal that won’t weigh you down.
• Evening Treat: After a long day, enjoy a slice with a cup of herbal tea or iced tea to unwind.
• Seasonal Serving: These bars shine in the summer, but they can be enjoyed year-round for a refreshing treat.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience that brings summer to your plate! Their balanced flavors and creamy texture make them unforgettable. I encourage you to try making these bars; they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying them at a picnic, a gathering, or simply as a sweet treat, they’re sure to please everyone. Don’t wait—bring a bit of sunshine into your kitchen today!

Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars

Craving something refreshing? These Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars are the ultimate sweet treat! With a creamy filling and a crunchy base, they’re perfect for any summer gathering. Whip them up easily and enjoy a taste of summer all year round!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 16 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Oven
• Food Processor

Ingredients

  

• 2 Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, melted
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 3/4 cups sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 2/3 cup lime juice
• 3 tablespoons lemon or pink lemon juice (or additional lime juice)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• 1 lime zest for garnish
• flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions

 

• 1. Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper to make removal easy later on.
• 2. In a food processor, pulse the Ritz crackers along with the brown sugar until they turn into fine crumbs. It should resemble a sandy texture. Next, add the melted butter and 2 teaspoons of vanilla, pulsing again until everything is well combined. You want it to hold together when pressed.
• 3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan evenly. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until golden brown. As it bakes, the aroma of the crackers and butter will fill your kitchen, creating the perfect ambiance.
• 4. While the crust is baking, whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. The color should turn a bright yellow. Then, add the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice, lemon juice, and salt, whisking everything together until fully combined.
• 5. Once your crust is done, carefully pour the egg mixture over the crust, spreading evenly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until just set on top. You want it to be slightly jiggly in the center.
• 6. Allow the bars to cool slightly, then cover them and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours. This step is crucial as it allows them to set properly.
• 7. When you're ready to serve, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This should take just a few minutes. Add the honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla, mixing until combined.
• 8. Swirl the whipped cream over the chilled bars, creating a beautiful topping. It should look fluffy and inviting.
• 9. In a small bowl, mix the lime zest and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bars to finish.
• 10. Slice into squares, and enjoy every bite! The bars will keep chilled in the fridge for up to 5 days, but I doubt they’ll last that long!

Notes

• Storage: Keep the bars covered in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and flavor. They should last up to 5 days, but they won't last long once you taste them!
• Freezing: These bars can be frozen. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment! You can add a layer of fruit puree on top of the bars for added flavor.
• Serving Size: Cut the bars into smaller squares for a delightful bite-sized treat that’s perfect for parties.
• Complementary Dishes: These bars pair well with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Keyword citrus dessert recipe, easy pie bars, Lemon Key Lime Pie Bars, summer treat

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.