These 7-ingredients key lime bars are sure to impress. Their chewy texture and refreshing citrus notes offer an amazing flavor experience ― A perfect balance of sweetness and tartness!
These key lime bars are not only tasty but also surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring a handful of ingredients. Plus, this is a no-bake recipe!
These key lime bars are sure to become a favorite, whether you need a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or an appealing dessert. Not only are these bars great for snacking on the run, but they are also a fantastic addition to charcuterie boards and picnic baskets!
These key lime bars are a delicious substitute for traditional baked goods, and they’re also healthy. They fit a range of dietary preferences because they don’t include dairy, gluten, or processed sugars.
So, let’s start making a refreshing, flavorful spring/summer dessert or treat…
Required Ingredients
This recipe requires only 7 simple and wholesome ingredients. These bars’ sweet base is made with medjool dates, which are known for their chewy texture and rich, caramel-like flavor. Plus, they give a sticky texture that helps in binding the other ingredients without the necessity of additional sweeteners or syrups.
Almonds and cashews provide a delicious crunch as well as good fats and different nutrients, making these bars both tasty & healthy. The coconut flakes give the bars a subtle tropical taste that goes well with the lime. They also make the bars chewier.
And, the key ingredients in this recipe, lime zest and juice, give the bars a bright, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the dates and nuts. Lastly, a little bit of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and adds a touch of warmth & depth.
How To Make Key Lemon Bars?
As I mentioned earlier, these key lime bars are quite easy to make. All you need is a food processor and some patience (while the bars will chill in the fridge).
Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed recipe with exact ingredients measurements.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Use fresh lime juice because the flavor of fresh lime is far better and brighter than that of bottled juice. Bottled juice is heat-processed to make it safe for consumption which decreases its true flavor.
- You can substitute regular dates for medjool dates. Use 2-3 ‘regular’ dates instead of medjool dates, because they’re half the size of medjool and less chewy. If your dates are a little dry soak them in hot water for about 5 minutes before using.
- You can add and swap nuts of your choice.
- You can also add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower to make these bars more healthy and filling.
FAQ’s
What Is Key Lime?
Originating in tropical Southeast Asia, the Key lime, also known as the acid lime, is a hybrid citrus fruit. When ripe, Key limes turn yellow, but they are typically picked when still green.
Key limes grow all year round in Mexico, but only from June to September in the United States (mainly in Florida and California).
Taste-wise, key limes are a little tarter than “regular limes” because they have a greater acidity. This makes them great for mixing with sweeter ingredients, such as in the ever-popular Key lime pie and these tasty key lime bars.
What’s the Difference Between Regular and Key Limes?
Key limes are often substantially smaller in size than Persian limes. Key limes have thinner rinds and a more yellow color (yellow denotes ripeness in Key limes). Compared to Persian limes, they contain more seeds and a stronger, more bitter flavor.
Can I Substitute Lime For Key Limes?
Yes! After all, their brief season leaves you with limited choices. Yes, the two are readily interchangeable without much affecting the taste.
How Long Does Key Lime Bars Last?
We recommend consuming these key lime bars (if stored in the fridge) within a week.
Key Lime Bars
Ingredients
- 10 medjool dates (pitted)
- ¾ cup almonds
- ¾ cup cashews
- ¼ cup coconut flakes
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- ¼ teaspoon
vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a food processor.
- Blend to incorporate. Use a spatula to scrape the sides and continue to process. Mixture should be crumbly and hold well together when pinched between fingers.
- After a minute of mixing, if too dry, add one teaspoon of water. If too wet add a tablespoon (approx. 6 almonds) to the mix.
- When ready, press the mix evenly into a parchment lined 8×8 inch square baking pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours.
- Enjoy by cutting into 12 bars and wrapping each in parchment paper.
