Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie: An Incredible 7-Layered Recipe

Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie is a dessert that takes the classic key lime pie and transforms it into a deliciously fun treat. With a rich, buttery blondie base enhanced by the nutty flavor of browned butter, this dessert will leave a lasting impression on anyone who bites into it. Tangy, sweet, and a little bit salty, these bars balance textures and tantalize the taste buds with a vibrant lime flavor. The presentation is as beautiful as it is mouthwatering, making it a worthwhile recipe for gatherings or simply a delightful treat to enjoy at home.
From the moment you start to prepare the Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie, the delicious aroma of browned butter will envelop your kitchen. As you mix together the simple ingredients, anticipation builds for a slice of this citrus bliss. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich blondie, topped with a creamy key lime layer, and finished off with a sprinkle of zest for an explosion of flavor. This amazing layered dessert becomes a centerpiece of conversation and joy at any social gathering!
Throughout this article, we will explore why this recipe is a must-try, the preparation and cooking time, a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and creative ways to serve these delightful bars. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned cook, these Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie will surely elevate your dessert repertoire. Prepare to dive into this delightful dessert with me!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie is bound to capture your heart and palate for several amazing reasons. Here are some of the highlights that make this recipe irresistible:
1. Loaded with Flavor: The tangy lime provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery blondie layer.
2. Textural Experience: The combination of a chewy blondie base and a creamy key lime topping offers a delightful mouthfeel.
3. Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving hits.
4. Visually Stunning: The vibrant, sunshiny color of the key lime layer on top of the golden blondie is truly eye-catching.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy family gathering, these bars fit the bill.
6. Easily Cut into Portions: These bars can be sliced into small squares, making them perfect for sharing.
7. A Unique Twist on a Classic: By incorporating browned butter, you add a layer of depth to an already classic dessert.
Given these enticing benefits, it’s easy to see why Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie should be on your baking to-do list. Once you take one bite, it’s hard not to go back for seconds!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Making Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie is a straightforward process, and the time investment is just right for the delightful outcome. Here’s a breakdown of the overall time required:
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
– Cooling Time: 1-2 hours (to allow the layers to set)
In total, you will need about 1-2 hours before these bars are ready to be served—most of which is passive time while the bars cool!

Ingredients

– 1 cup unsalted butter (browned)
– 1 ½ cups brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– Zest of 2 limes
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
– Additional lime zest for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create your Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter with brown sugar. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Add Lime Zest: Gently fold in the lime zest into the blondie batter.
8. Spread the Batter: Evenly spread the blondie batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool the Blondie Base: Remove from oven and allow to cool while you prepare the key lime topping.
11. Prepare Key Lime Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
12. Pour Topping: Once the blondie base is cool, pour the key lime mixture evenly on top, spreading with a spatula if necessary.
13. Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the key lime layer is set and no longer jiggles.
14. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least another hour to help set the layers.
15. Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, slice the bars into squares. Garnish with additional lime zest if desired.

How to Serve

To truly elevate your Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie and impress your guests, consider the following tips for serving:
1. Presentation: Arrange the sliced bars on a decorative platter, and consider adding a sprig of mint for a touch of color.
2. Toppings: Offer whipped cream on the side for those who want a creamy addition, along with extra lime wedges for garnish.
3. Pairing: These bars pair wonderfully with iced tea, lemonade, or even a fizzy soda for a refreshing contrast.
4. Chill: Consider serving them chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing treat, especially on warm days.
5. Individual Servings: For parties, consider wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane or parchment to make them easy to grab and enjoy.
With these serving suggestions, your Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie will be the showstopper at any gathering or simply an exceptional dessert to enjoy at home!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor in your Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie, opt for fresh limes instead of bottled juice. The fresh zest enhances the aroma and taste significantly.
– Let it Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and clean layers, making the presentation much more appealing.
– Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding shredded coconut or crushed graham crackers on top for an added layer of texture.
– Adjust Lime Flavor: If you prefer a stronger lime flavor, feel free to increase the lime juice or zest slightly. Taste as you go for the perfect balance.
– Serve with Style: When serving, offer fresh mint leaves on the side as they pair beautifully with the zesty bars.

Recipe Variation

There are multiple ways to customize your Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
2. Add a Layer: Fold in white chocolate chips into the blondie base for a different taste sensation and added sweetness.
3. Change the Citrus: Instead of limes, try using lemons for a similar yet different flavor profile in a Lemon Blondie variation.
4. Cream Cheese Layer: Incorporate a cream cheese layer between the blondie and key lime layer for added richness and a cheesecake twist.
5. Infused Flavor: Experiment with other flavored extracts, like almond or coconut, to give the blondie base a unique twist.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can maintain their best quality for up to 5 days.
– Freezing: If you want to prolong the enjoyment, freeze the bars! Wrap individual servings in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
– Thawing: To enjoy from frozen, place the bars in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

Special Equipment

To make your baking experience smoother, consider having these tools handy:
– Mixing bowls: Use various sizes for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately.
– Whisk: Ideal for beating eggs or combining your key lime topping smoothly.
– Spatula: A rubber spatula is great for spreading batter evenly in the baking dish.
– Baking dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish is the perfect size for this recipe.
– Mixing spoon: A sturdy wooden or silicone spoon will help combine your ingredients without scratching your bowls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just use a larger baking dish, like a half-sheet pan, to accommodate the extra batter.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice is recommended for optimal flavor, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. Just be aware it might lack the fresh taste.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
In a pinch, you can make your own by combining evaporated milk with sugar over heat until thickened, but this process does take longer.
Are these bars suitable for kids?
Definitely! The tangy flavor is appealing to many children, and the blondie base provides a sweet contrast that kids often enjoy.
How do I know when the key lime layer is set?
The key lime layer should be firm but will have a slight jiggle when fully baked. A toothpick inserted should come out clean with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie is an exceptional dessert that brings together the best of both worlds—decadent blondies and zesty key lime pie. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will keep your taste buds dancing. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings, baking this delightful treat will surely impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients and some love, you can create a masterpiece that is not only delicious but visually stunning. Prepare yourself for the compliments and requests for seconds!

Print