Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

These irresistible Key Lime Pie Bars are everything you love about the classic dessert, packed into easy-to-make handheld squares. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky-smooth, tangy lime filling, they deliver a burst of sunshine in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when that sweet-tart craving strikes, this no-fuss treat comes together with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. If you’re a fan of citrusy desserts with just the right balance of creamy and zesty, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Fuss-Free: No complicated steps or fancy tools required—just basic ingredients and about 15 minutes of prep time.
• Zesty and Refreshing: The tart key lime filling is the perfect contrast to the sweet, buttery crust. Bright, bold flavor in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are great for gatherings, easy to transport, and guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them the night before and let them chill in the fridge—great for planning ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes these bars absolutely magical:

• Graham crackers: Crushed into crumbs for the base, they create a crunchy, buttery crust that holds everything together.
• Butter: Melted and mixed into the graham cracker crumbs to form a rich, toasty crust.
• Sweetened condensed milk: The base of the filling—thick, creamy, and perfectly sweet to balance the tartness.
• Key lime juice: Fresh or bottled key lime juice gives that iconic tangy flavor. Regular lime juice works in a pinch, but key limes are the star here.
• Lime zest: Adds an extra punch of lime fragrance and flavor. Don’t skip it!
• Egg yolks: Help thicken the filling and give it a luscious, custardy texture.
• Sea salt (optional): Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without making the bars salty.

Variations

Love a little twist? Try one of these fun spins:

• Coconut Crust: Swap half the graham crackers with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a crust alternative.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl in a few spoonfuls of softened cream cheese before baking for a tangier, cheesecake-like vibe.
• Lemon-Lime Bars: Replace half the lime juice with fresh lemon juice for a citrus combo that’s bright and bold.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking pan to form an even crust.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Lime Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the lime mixture over the baked crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake for another 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to set completely. Once chilled, slice into bars and serve!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Press the Crust Firmly: Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press the graham cracker crust into the pan. This helps prevent crumbling.
• Use Fresh Lime Zest: It adds a punchy brightness that bottled juice alone can’t provide.
• Don’t Overbake: The filling should still jiggle slightly in the center when you take it out. It’ll firm up as it cools.
• Chill Completely: For clean slices, make sure the bars are fully chilled and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

How to Serve

These Key Lime Pie Bars shine brightest when served cold, straight from the fridge. They’re wonderful on their own, but you can dress them up a bit too:

Garnish Ideas:

• A light dusting of powdered sugar.
• A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest.
• Thin lime slices or candied lime peel for decoration.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Serve alongside a glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lime.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors deepen.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars! Just layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

These are meant to be enjoyed cold, so no reheating necessary. Just grab and go!

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Yes, you can! While key lime juice has a more distinct, floral tang, regular lime juice still works beautifully. Try adding a little extra zest to boost the flavor.

Do I need to use fresh limes?
Fresh is ideal for the zest, but bottled key lime juice works just fine for convenience—especially if you’re short on time or can’t find fresh key limes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are even better after chilling overnight. They hold up well, making them perfect for prepping a day or two in advance.

Why did my filling crack or bubble?
That usually means it was overbaked. Pull the bars from the oven when the center still has a slight jiggle—they’ll finish setting in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bright, creamy, and unbelievably easy to make, these Key Lime Pie Bars are the answer. They bring all the tropical tang of a classic key lime pie, minus the hassle of rolling out a crust. Whether you’re hosting, meal prepping, or just treating yourself, these bars are bound to become a favorite. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked at first bite.

Print