These delightful Key Lime Pie Bars are perfectly tart and tangy, making them a refreshing treat for a hot summer day. Easy to whip up, they’re best served straight from the fridge!
Ingredients
Cookie Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, finely ground (250 g)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Key Lime Pie Filling
- 1 tablespoon lime zest, packed (6–7 key limes)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 22 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can of 14 ounces and 3/4 cup from a second can)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
Cookie Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the rack to the middle position.
- Line the bottom and sides of an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- In a food processor, grind the vanilla wafer cookies until they resemble fine crumbs.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground cookies, melted butter, and brown sugar, mixing until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the cookie mixture evenly into the prepared pan using the flat part of a spatula.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, then remove and let cool for about 30 minutes.
Key Lime Pie Filling
- In a large bowl, add the egg yolks and lime zest, beating with a hand mixer on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until light in color and thickened.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat for another 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the lime juice until well combined.
- Pour the filling over the cooled cookie crust and bake for 15-17 minutes until set (the center should still have a slight jiggle).
- Allow to cool on the counter for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Whipped Cream Topping
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with a hand mixer until firm peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream to avoid overmixing, then spread it evenly over the chilled key lime filling using an offset spatula.
- Chill for an additional 30 minutes before slicing.
To serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into squares with a sharp knife, cleaning the knife with warm water between cuts for clean edges. Enjoy your refreshing treat!
4o mini