Margarita pie bars are an adult frozen dessert featuring a crunchy salted pretzel crust and a light, creamy margarita-flavored filling made with Greek yogurt, whipped cream, lime, and tequila. They combine sweet, salty, and tart flavors for a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm weather and festive occasions.
Adult dessert: These margarita pie bars contain tequila and are intended for guests 21 years and older.
Yummy Frozen Dessert
If you’re looking for a playful, grown-up dessert for summer gatherings, these margarita pie bars are a terrific option. A salty pretzel crust provides contrast to a creamy, slightly tangy filling made with full-fat Greek yogurt, agave syrup, fresh lime, orange liqueur, and tequila. The bars are frozen to set, creating a firm but scoopable texture that resembles a frozen margarita crossed with a creamy key lime pie.
Why you’ll love them
- Contains alcohol for an adult-only dessert experience.
- Great for Cinco de Mayo, summer parties, and backyard barbecues.
- Delicious balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and tart.
- Served frozen for a refreshing finish.
The crust
The base is a simple salted pretzel crust that bakes up crisp and golden. The salt from the pretzels pairs beautifully with the sweet and citrusy filling. Ingredients for the crust:
- 4 cups salted pretzel twists
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil as an alternative)
- 1/4 cup agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The filling
The margarita pie filling is creamy, mildly sweet, and bright with lime. It includes a small amount of tequila and orange liqueur to give it authentic margarita flavor. Ingredients for the filling:
- 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup agave syrup
- 3 tablespoons quality tequila
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as triple sec)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to make Margarita Pie Bars
Make the pretzel crust
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line an 8×8-inch pan (or a 6×10-inch pan) with parchment paper. Place the pretzels in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. Add the melted butter, agave, and vanilla extract, then process on low until the mixture holds together when squeezed between your fingers.
Bake the crust
Transfer the pretzel mixture to the prepared pan and press it firmly into the bottom using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the filling
In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt and agave until smooth. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and lime zest, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the yogurt and tequila mixture, folding carefully to keep the mixture light and airy. If folding is difficult, you can use the hand mixer briefly on low to incorporate evenly without deflating the cream.
Assemble and freeze
Spread the filling evenly over the cooled pretzel crust using a spatula. Sprinkle additional lime zest on top if desired. Place the pan in the freezer and let the bars set for at least 3 hours, or until firm.
Slice and serve
When ready to serve, remove the pan from the freezer and let it stand for a few minutes so it becomes easier to slice. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars. Serve immediately and keep leftovers frozen.
Storage
This is a frozen dessert. Store the bars in the freezer wrapped in plastic wrap or covered with aluminum foil. Do not let them sit at room temperature for longer than 10 minutes, as they will soften and lose their structure. Properly stored, they will keep for several weeks.
Tips & Notes
- If the whipped cream and yogurt mixture resist folding, use a hand mixer briefly on low to combine while keeping the texture light.
- You can substitute melted coconut oil for butter in the crust if preferred.
- Because these bars contain dairy and alcohol, store them frozen and cover them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition (per bar, approximate)
Calories: 249 kcal • Carbohydrates: 28 g • Protein: 2 g • Fat: 14 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 15 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
Recipe info
Prep time: 3 hours (including freezing) • Cook time: 15–17 minutes • Total time: about 3 hours 16 minutes • Servings: 9 bars
Author: Lee Funke
Photography: Photos in this post were taken by Ashley McGlaughlin.