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

Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie are a delicious treat that combine the tangy essence of key lime pie with the subtle richness of browned butter blondies. This unique dessert successfully marries two beloved flavors and textures into one amazing bar. The result is creamy, tangy, and sweet, with a hint of nutty flavor from the browned butter. It’s the ideal dessert for a summer gathering, picnic, or any time you crave a bite of sunshine.
This delightful treat offers a refreshing twist on traditional desserts. The bars boast a creamy key lime filling perched atop a buttery, chewy blondie base that invites you to keep coming back for more. The citrus tang brightens the dish, making it perfectly light and enjoyable, even after a hearty meal. Whether you are hosting friends or treating yourself, Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie will surely impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you are looking for a recipe that balances flavor and texture perfectly, you’ve landed in the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore why you’ll love this recipe, how to prepare it, and even tips on how to serve it beautifully. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie will be your new favorite dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Here’s what makes this dessert truly special:
1. Unique Flavor Profile – The combination of key lime and browned butter creates a wonderfully unique taste experience.
2. Textural Contrast – The chewy blondie base provides a delightful contrast to the smooth and creamy lime filling.
3. Simple Ingredients – Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving hits.
4. Quick Preparation – Prepare and bake this dessert in under an hour with minimal effort.
5. Perfect Portions – Bars are easy to slice, making serving a breeze for gatherings and parties.
6. Refreshingly Light – The zesty key lime flavor makes these bars perfect for warm weather and summer celebrations.
7. Impressive Presentation – These bars look as good as they taste, with a beautiful green hue and glossy topping that will impress your guests.
With these features in mind, you’ll be tempted to make Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie your dessert of choice for any occasion!

Preparation and Cooking Time

In total, preparing Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie will take about 45 minutes, which includes preparation and baking. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 25 minutes
– Cooling Time: 5-10 minutes for the bars to set
This efficient time frame ensures you can get these delightful bars ready without much hassle, allowing you to enjoy them more quickly!

Ingredients

For the blondie base:
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
For the key lime filling:
– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
– ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 large egg
– Zest of 2 key limes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie is easy when you follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easier removal.

2. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to bubble. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Blondie Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
4. Spread the Batter: Pour the blondie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5. Prepare the Key Lime Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg, and lime zest until well blended.
6. Layer the Filling: Pour the key lime filling over the blondie base in the baking pan, carefully spreading it evenly.
7. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges begin to lightly brown. Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least one hour to fully set before slicing.

How to Serve

To elevate your Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie even further, consider these serving suggestions:
1. Presentation: Cut the bars into equal squares and serve them on a white platter to highlight the vibrant green color of the filling.
2. Toppings: Consider adding whipped cream or a dollop of sour cream on top to enhance the flavor and provide a creamy contrast.
3. Garnishes: Garnish each bar with additional lime zest or slices of lime for a pops of color and extra zestiness.
4. Beverage Pairings: Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing cocktail for a delightful outdoor experience.
5. Storage Tip: These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
By following these serving tips, you can create an experience around your Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Enjoy this delectable dessert on any occasion or as a sweet treat to brighten your day!
Additional Tips
– Use Fresh Key Limes: For the best flavor, use fresh key limes. The zest and juice from fresh limes enhance the overall taste of the bars.
– Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid a messy presentation and ensure clean cuts.
– Experiment with Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Recipe Variation
Feel free to try these delicious variations to make Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie even more exciting:
1. Coconut Infusion: Add shredded coconut into the blondie batter for a tropical twist.
2. Add Fruits: Consider incorporating blueberries or raspberries into the key lime filling for added sweetness and color.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free baking blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Freezing and Storage
– Storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to five days.
– Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Special Equipment
To prepare Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie, you will need the following equipment:
– 9×13 inch baking pan
– Parchment paper
– Mixing bowls (one large for the blondie batter and one for the filling)
– Whisk or electric mixer
– Saucepan for browning the butter
– Spatula for spreading the batter and filling
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Yes, you can substitute with regular lime juice, though the flavor profile will differ slightly. Key limes are more aromatic and tangy.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars before serving?
Yes, allowing the bars to chill in the refrigerator helps the filling set, making for beautiful clean cuts when serving.
How can I tell if the bars are done baking?
The edges will be lightly browned, and the filling will be set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few crumbs.
Conclusion
Key Lime Pie Bars – Browned Butter Blondie are an exceptional dessert that beautifully combines the tangy zest of key lime with the rich and chewy texture of browned butter blondies. Their refreshing flavor and satisfying texture make them the perfect treat for any occasion. With the easy-to-follow recipe, variations to explore, and helpful serving tips, these bars can become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

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