Key Lime Gooey Bars That Pack a Sweet, Citrusy Punch in Every Chewy, Dreamy Bite

Craving a dessert that’s sweet, tangy, and irresistibly gooey? These Key Lime Gooey Bars are here to satisfy all your citrus cravings! With a rich, vibrant key lime filling and a soft, buttery crust, each bite bursts with the zesty flavor of fresh lime while maintaining that perfect chewy texture. Whether you’re serving them at a summer gathering or just want a tropical escape in dessert form, these bars are super easy to make and will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Key Lime Gooey BarsThese bars are inspired by the fresh, tangy flavors of key lime pie but with an extra layer of indulgence. The gooey texture comes from a combination of sweetened condensed milk and key lime juice, creating a filling that’s both creamy and tart. The base, made from cake mix, adds a soft and buttery richness that perfectly balances the sharpness of the lime. With each bite, you get the perfect combination of chewy, sweet, and tangy!

Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Gooey BarsNot only do these bars pack a punch of lime flavor, but they’re also incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that’s sure to impress. The vibrant green color adds a fun touch, making these bars a great choice for parties, holidays, or anytime you want to brighten someone’s day. Plus, they’re great for those who love a dessert that’s both sweet and tangy with a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Bars):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fiber: 1g

These bars are sweet and indulgent, perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

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Serving Suggestions and PairingsKey Lime Gooey Bars are delightful on their own, but if you’re looking to make them even more special, consider topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries for a pop of color and added freshness. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with white chocolate or a tangy lime glaze. If you’re hosting a party, these bars are the perfect finger food dessert, and they pair wonderfully with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating TipsThese gooey bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them chilled, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Fun Fact: The Magic of Gooey BarsGooey bars originated as a decadent dessert option where the goal is to create a treat with a soft, almost custard-like texture. By using ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese (or in this case, lime juice), the filling becomes wonderfully thick and gooey, creating a dessert that’s impossible to resist!

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Cooking Tips

• Use Fresh Key Lime Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed key lime juice. If key limes aren’t available, you can substitute regular lime juice, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Check for Doneness: These bars should be gooey but not undercooked. When the top is set and golden, and the center is just slightly jiggly, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to slice.

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Lover's Option: Add white chocolate chips to the filling for an extra layer of sweetness and creamy texture.
• Coconut Craze: Mix shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the lime flavor.
• Berry Swirl: Before baking, swirl in a spoonful of raspberry jam or puree into the filling for a fruity, colorful addition.

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Key Lime Gooey Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 box key lime or yellow cake mix
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ¼ cup key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest (plus more for garnish)
• Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest.
5. Stir in the white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
6. Pour the key lime mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
9. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with extra key lime zest if desired. Cut into bars and serve.

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These Key Lime Gooey Bars are the perfect dessert for those who love a combination of sweet and tangy flavors with a chewy, gooey texture. Whether you're enjoying them at a summer BBQ, a holiday gathering, or just as an everyday treat, they’re guaranteed to impress with their vibrant lime flavor and bright, cheerful appearance. Whip up a batch today and get ready to indulge in tropical dessert bliss!