Key Lime Pie Bars with Browned Butter Blondie Crust
Introduction
If you’re after a fresh, zesty dessert with a decadent twist, these Key Lime Pie Bars with a Browned Butter Blondie base are the answer. The rich, nutty flavor of browned butter combines with chewy blondies, supporting a tangy, smooth key lime filling—creating the perfect harmony of citrus brightness and buttery sweetness.
This dessert is not only elegant and crowd-pleasing but also simple enough for a weeknight treat or a striking addition to potlucks and parties. For anyone who loves classic key lime pie, these bars will level up your expectations with their unique, chewy underlayer.
Why These Key Lime Pie Bars Stand Out
By starting with a blondie crust made with browned butter, you’re introducing layers of flavor beyond a traditional graham cracker base. The nutty, caramel notes of the blondie absorb and highlight the creamy tartness of the lime filling, resulting in bars that are gooey, tangy, and full of depth.
Their simple, portable nature makes them ideal for sharing—no fork required! Whether served at summer gatherings or as a chic finale to a dinner party, these bars will impress every time.
Making the Perfect Browned Butter Blondie Crust
The browned butter technique is the key to elevating these blondies: gently melting and toasting the butter until golden and aromatic. This brings out an irresistible, toasty flavor and a chewy, tender bite.
For best results, use a sturdy saucepan like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch when browning the butter, which ensures even toasting and easy clean-up. To precisely measure your ingredients for that classic blondie texture, a Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display is invaluable for consistent results.
When transferring the blondie batter to your baking pan, line it with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for effortless removal and clean slicing.
Velvety Key Lime Pie Filling
The filling is a breeze—just whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and plenty of fresh lime zest and juice. A good Lifewit Silverware Drawer Organizer, Expandable can help keep your whisks and zesters neat in your kitchen, so your tools are always at hand.
Use a high-powered blender like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender to fully blend the filling if you want a silky-smooth texture, or simply use a regular hand whisk for a more classic pie consistency.
Assembly and Serving Tips
Allow the blondie crust to cool slightly before pouring in the key lime filling—this ensures layers don’t bleed into each other. After baking, chill the bars thoroughly so the filling sets up perfectly, making clean, sharp slices when serving.
For an eye-catching finish, dust your bars with powdered sugar and top with extra lime zest. A chilled dessert is always a hit—serve straight from the fridge with cold drinks or iced tea. Transport your bars safely for picnics in a Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container to keep them fresh and mess-free on the go.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 16 bars. Each bar contains roughly 220–260 calories, balancing rich flavors with a tangy, refreshing filling. They’re a great make-ahead sweet treat destined to become a favorite for citrus lovers.
Key Lime Pie Bars with Browned Butter Blondie Crust (Recap)
These bars put a unique (and delicious!) spin on a classic Southern treat by pairing a decadent browned butter blondie crust with the creamy, zesty punch of key lime pie filling. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make, easy to serve, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, melt the butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it develops a deep golden color and nutty aroma. Pour browned butter into a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the brown sugar to the butter and whisk until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Spread this blondie batter evenly into your prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden and just set. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
- While the crust cools, whisk together the condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and lime zest. For a smoother filling, blend ingredients in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender until homogeneous.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth out the top. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or just until the center is set (it may jiggle slightly).
- Allow bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
- Lift chilled bars out using the parchment overhang. Slice into 16 squares. Store and transport leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep them perfectly fresh.
- Dust with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of extra lime zest before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (including both baking steps)
Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling time for clean slices)
