Gluten Free Key Lime Bars are the perfect tangy and sweet treat for any occasion, offering a delightful dessert experience without the gluten. This recipe is incredibly useful for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a lighter, brighter dessert option that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Key Ingredients for Gluten Free Key Lime Bars :
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice (from about 8-10 key limes)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest (from about 2 key limes)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, fresh berries, lime slices, extra lime zest
How to Make Gluten Free Key Lime Bars
Get ready to whip up a batch of unbelievably easy, intensely flavorful Gluten Free Key Lime Bars. These bars deliver a perfect balance of creamy tanginess and sweet graham cracker crust, making them a showstopper. With a preparation time of just 25 minutes and an hour to chill, you’ll be enjoying a slice of pure sunshine in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Gluten-Free Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Make the Tangy Key Lime Filling:
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, egg yolks, and key lime zest until well combined and smooth.
- Gently pour the key lime filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight wobble in the center. The edges should be firm.
- Remove from the oven and let the Gluten Free Key Lime Bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to fully set.
Slice and Serve:
- Once chilled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Place the slab on a cutting board and slice into desired bar shapes using a sharp knife.
- Serve chilled, garnished with optional whipped cream, fresh berries, lime slices, or extra lime zest for an extra burst of flavor and beauty.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Key Lime Bars
You’ll adore these Gluten Free Key Lime Bars for their incredibly vibrant, zesty flavor that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise. The thick, creamy lime filling is perfectly balanced by the tender, buttery gluten-free crust, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. Making them at home is wonderfully cost-effective compared to store-bought versions, allowing you to enjoy this gourmet treat without the premium price tag. Plus, the bright citrus notes, complemented by optional sweet toppings like fluffy whipped cream or tart berries, make them truly special.
Forget the hassle of crumbly gluten-free crusts; this recipe delivers a consistently satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with any topping. They’re a fantastic alternative to heavier chocolate desserts, offering a lighter, palate-cleansing finish to any meal. Ready to brighten your day with a slice of sunshine? Give these fantastic Gluten Free Key Lime Bars a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Gluten Free Key Lime Bars at their best, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The chilling process is crucial for the filling to set properly, so always keep them chilled. If you find yourself with a surplus or want to prepare them in advance for a future gathering, freezing is an excellent option. Simply slice the bars and arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty resealable bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To enjoy frozen bars, transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Reheating is generally not recommended, as the bars are best enjoyed chilled.
Final Thoughts
These vibrant Gluten Free Key Lime Bars are a delightful balance of tart and sweet, proving that gluten-free baking can be absolutely delicious. We wholeheartedly encourage you to whip up a batch and experience this taste of sunshine for yourself!
Gluten Free Key Lime Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, granulated sugar, and salt.1.5 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum), 0.5 cup granulated sugar, 0.25 teaspoon salt
- Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.0.5 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, egg yolks, and key lime zest until well combined and smooth.14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 0.5 cup fresh key lime juice (from about 8-10 key limes), 4 large egg yolks, 1 teaspoon key lime zest (from about 2 key limes)
- Gently pour the key lime filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight wobble in the center. The edges should be firm.
- Remove from the oven and let the Gluten Free Key Lime Bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to fully set.
- Once chilled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Place the slab on a cutting board and slice into desired bar shapes using a sharp knife.
- Serve chilled, garnished with optional whipped cream, fresh berries, lime slices, or extra lime zest for an extra burst of flavor and beauty.