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To make these no-bake key lime pie bars, gather the following ingredients: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 5-6 limes) - Zest of 2 limes - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Whipped cream (for topping) - Lime slices and zest for garnishing You can make some swaps if you need to. Try these options: - Use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for a different flavor. - Swap the unsweetened coconut with crushed nuts for a crunch. - If you don’t have key limes, regular limes work too. Just know they are less tart! - For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you need: - 9x9-inch square baking dish for the bars. - Large mixing bowl for combining crust ingredients. - Electric mixer for creamy filling. - Measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts. - Spatula for spreading the filling evenly. - Plastic wrap to cover and chill the bars. These tools help you create your delicious no-bake key lime pie bars with ease! First, gather your ingredients for the crust. You will need graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted butter, and granulated sugar. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2. Mix these ingredients well until you have a crumbly mixture. 3. Next, take a 9x9-inch baking dish. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom. 4. Use the back of a measuring cup to compact it firmly. 5. Refrigerate the crust while you make the filling. This helps it set up nicely. Now, let’s make the key lime filling. You will need softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, fresh key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. 1. In another bowl, beat 2 (8 oz) packages of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. 2. Gradually add in 1 cup of powdered sugar. Continue to beat until well combined. 3. Now, add ½ cup of fresh key lime juice, the zest of 2 limes, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 4. Mix everything until it is fully combined and creamy. It's time to assemble your delicious bars! 1. Pour the key lime filling over the prepared crust. 2. Spread it evenly using a spatula. 3. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. 4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. 5. When ready, remove from the fridge and cut into bars. 6. Top each bar with whipped cream and garnish with lime slices and additional zest. This process is simple and leads to a tasty treat. Enjoy your no-bake key lime pie bars! To get a smooth filling, use softened cream cheese. Leave it out for an hour before mixing. This helps it blend well. Use a mixer on medium speed for about two minutes. This makes it light and fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Mix until it's creamy and smooth. Finally, add fresh key lime juice and zest. This adds a bright flavor. For a tasty crust, use fresh graham cracker crumbs. You can crush them by hand or in a food processor. Mix these crumbs with melted butter and sugar. This mix should feel like wet sand. Press it firmly into your baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup to pack it tight. This helps the crust hold together. Don’t forget to chill the crust before adding the filling. This helps keep it firm. When serving, cut the bars into even squares. This makes them easy to grab. Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of lime zest adds color and flavor. You can also add a lime slice on top. This looks pretty and fresh. Serve these bars cold for the best taste. Enjoy them at parties or casual get-togethers. They are sure to impress your guests! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your key lime pie bars. Mango adds a tropical twist. Use fresh mango puree in place of key lime juice. This makes a sweet and fruity treat. Coconut is another great option. Just add more shredded coconut to the filling. You can also use coconut cream for a richer taste. Get creative! Mix and match flavors to find your favorite. Making gluten-free key lime pie bars is easy. Simply swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free ones. You can find gluten-free graham crackers in stores. If you can't find them, use almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies. These options work well and taste great. Your friends and family will love these bars, and they will never know they are gluten-free! If you want a vegan version, I have you covered. Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese. Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a plant-based filling. For the crust, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. These swaps make the recipe completely dairy-free. You still get that creamy texture and zesty flavor. Enjoy your vegan key lime pie bars guilt-free! To store your leftover no-bake key lime pie bars, keep them in the fridge. Place the bars in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the bars fresh and tasty. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Always ensure they are cool before covering to prevent condensation. You can freeze these key lime pie bars for later. Cut them into individual pieces first. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For the best taste, eat the bars within 5 days if stored in the fridge. If you freeze them, eat within 2 months for the best flavor. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. If they smell off or have an unusual texture, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy these bars while they are fresh for the best key lime flavor! Yes, you can use regular limes. Key limes are smaller and have a unique taste. They bring a tart and sweet flavor. Regular limes will work but may change the taste slightly. If you want a true key lime flavor, stick with key limes. These bars last about five days in the fridge. Keep them covered to prevent drying out. The longer they sit, the more the flavors blend. This can make them even better! Absolutely! These bars are great for making ahead. You can prepare them a day or two before serving. Just keep them in the fridge. They will be ready when you are! In this article, we explored key lime pie bars, covering all the essential ingredients and tools. You learned step-by-step how to prepare the crust and filling, along with tips for the perfect texture and presentation. We also discussed tasty variations and proper storage methods to keep your bars fresh. Remember, you can always switch flavors or adapt for dietary needs. Enjoy making these delicious treats and sharing them with family and friends. Your baking journey can be fun and rewarding!

No-Bake Key Lime Pie Bars

Indulge in the refreshing taste of No-Bake Key Lime Pie Bars! This easy recipe combines a coconut-graham cracker crust with a creamy key lime filling that’s bursting with zesty flavor. Perfect for warm days, these delightful bars come together in just 20 minutes and set in the fridge for a cool treat. Click through to discover how to whip up this delicious dessert that will wow your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 5-6 limes)

Zest of 2 limes

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream (for topping)

Lime slices and zest for garnishing

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined and crumbly.

    Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch square baking dish evenly to form the crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to compact it firmly. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

      In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.

        Gradually add in powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined.

          Add the fresh key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until fully combined and creamy.

            Pour the key lime filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.

              Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

                Once set, remove from the refrigerator and cut into bars.

                  Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with lime slices and additional zest.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 16 bars