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| Easy Summer Dessert |
Why You'll Love It
These Key Lime Pie Bars are about to become your go-to summer desserts ideas for several compelling reasons. First, the contrast between the coconut-infused crust and the bright, citrusy filling creates an irresistible tropical escape in every bite. You'll save significantly compared to store-bought alternatives – a batch of these homemade bars costs a fraction of what you'd pay at a bakery while yielding enough to feed a crowd.
What truly sets these bars apart is their versatility – they can be dressed up with toasted coconut, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant presentation, or served simply for a casual gathering. The make-ahead convenience means you can prepare them the day before your event, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. Don't wait another day to bring these refreshing, crowd-pleasing treats to your summer table!
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars with Coconut Crust
These Key Lime Pie Bars strike the perfect balance between simplicity and wow-factor. The coconut crust comes together in minutes, while the filling requires just a bowl and whisk – no special equipment needed! From start to finish, you'll spend about 15 minutes on active preparation, followed by 30 minutes of baking and at least 4 hours of chilling time for the bars to set properly.
Key Ingredients
For the Coconut Crust:
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Key Lime Filling:
- 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup fresh key lime juice (about 1 pound of key limes)
- 2 tablespoons lime zest
- 4 large egg yolks
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Lime slices
- Toasted coconut flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sweetened shredded coconut, sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake the crust: Place in the oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lime zest until slightly thickened. Add the sweetened condensed milk and sour cream, whisking until smooth. Finally, add the lime juice and stir until well combined.
- Bake the bars: Pour the filling over the slightly cooled crust. Return to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled and set.
- Serve: When ready to serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares with a clean, sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts. Garnish with whipped cream, lime slices, and toasted coconut if desired.
What to Serve With Key Lime Pie Bars
These refreshing bars pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments to create a complete summer dessert experience. Serve alongside a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh berries – particularly raspberries or strawberries – offer a beautiful color contrast and complementary flavor. For drinks, consider serving with iced coffee, a tropical punch, or for adult gatherings, a chilled prosecco or coconut rum cocktail that enhances the tropical theme.
Top Tips for Perfecting Key Lime Pie Bars
- Use authentic key limes if possible – they're smaller and more aromatic than regular limes. If unavailable, standard limes work well too, but you may need to adjust the amount slightly as they're less acidic.
- Don't overbake the filling, as this can cause it to crack. It should be just set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven.
- Chill thoroughly before cutting – a minimum of 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This ensures clean, neat slices and allows the flavors to fully develop.
- For the brightest flavor, zest your limes before juicing them, and use fresh juice rather than bottled for the most authentic taste.
- Toast your coconut for the crust by spreading it on a baking sheet and placing it in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until golden. This enhances the nutty flavor and adds depth to the crust.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Key Lime Pie Bars can be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 5 days. The citrus acidity helps them maintain freshness longer than many desserts. For best results, store them uncut if possible, as this prevents the edges from drying out.
They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze, cut into individual portions, place on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. These bars are best enjoyed cold and don't require reheating.
Conclusion
These Key Lime Pie Bars with Coconut Crust represent summer in dessert form – bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. The tropical combination of lime and coconut creates an irresistible treat that's surprisingly simple to make yet guaranteed to impress. Whether for a special occasion or just because, these bars deserve a spot in your Easy summer desserts rotation!
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?Yes, you can substitute regular Persian limes if key limes aren't available. You'll need about 4-5 regular limes to get the same amount of juice. The flavor will be slightly less complex but still delicious.
How do I know when the bars are properly set?
The filling should be just set but still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools and chills. If you notice the edges pulling away from the sides of the pan, that's a good indicator they're ready.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Unfortunately, this particular recipe relies heavily on dairy products like condensed milk, sour cream, and butter for its signature texture and flavor. While there are dairy-free alternatives for these ingredients, they would significantly change the outcome of the recipe and would require additional testing to ensure success.
