If you’re looking to capture all the sunny, zingy magic of a classic pie in a single bite, these Key Lime Pie Bars are your new favorite treat. Tangy, creamy, and nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust, each square delivers a refreshing taste of summer no matter the season. They come together with just a few simple ingredients but dazzle with their bright flavors and creamy texture—the perfect portable dessert for potlucks, picnics, or just an afternoon pick-me-up!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a small handful of ingredients to make these bars, but each one plays an essential role in creating that signature creamy, citrus-infused experience. Quality matters here, especially with those lime flavors shining front and center.

Graham cracker crumbs: These are the cornerstone of the crust, delivering a sweet and slightly nutty crunch to contrast the silky filling.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness binds both the crust and helps balance out the tart lime filling.
Unsalted butter (melted): Helps the crust hold together while adding rich, classic flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: The essential base of the filling, lending sweetness and that dreamy, creamy texture.
Large egg yolks: Give the filling its smooth, custard-like body and a golden color.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): The star ingredient, packing an unmistakable citrus punch—go for fresh if you can, but bottled works wonders too.
Key lime zest: Provides extra depth and an irresistible fragrance that makes these bars pop.
Optional toppings: Whipped cream, extra lime zest, or lime slices add fun, festive flair and a little extra tang.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving some extra over the sides. This little trick makes it incredibly easy to lift your Key Lime Pie Bars out later, ensuring ultra-neat edges and zero sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture looks like damp sand. Pour it into your prepared pan and press it down firmly—use the bottom of a measuring cup for an even layer. Bake this for 8–10 minutes until just lightly golden, letting those toasty smells fill your kitchen. Set aside to cool while you whip up the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Use a medium bowl and a whisk to combine the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and that fragrant zest. Whisk until you have a smooth, creamy batter—this is where all that signature tangy sweetness comes from. Pour the filling over your baked crust and gently smooth the top so it bakes up nice and even.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Bake the assembled bars in your preheated oven for 15–18 minutes. You’re looking for just-set edges and a center that still has a slight jiggle. This ensures they’ll firm up perfectly as they cool. Pull them out and let them come down to room temperature before you chill them—patience is key to ultra-creamy Key Lime Pie Bars!

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Once the bars have cooled, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. This not only makes them easier to cut but also develops that luscious, chilled texture. Use the parchment overhang to lift everything out of the pan, then slice into sixteen neat squares. Top with whipped cream, extra lime zest, or even a cheerful lime slice for a pop of color!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, these bars love a crown of fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkling of vivid lime zest. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a thin lime slice to each one for a touch of sunshine and zesty aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair your Key Lime Pie Bars with light, fresh accompaniments. Think bowls of juicy mixed berries, a platter of tropical fruit, or even a scoop of coconut sorbet. The tart, creamy bars shine brightest beside simple, not-too-sweet sides that let their vibrant flavor lead.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready look, serve each bar in an individual cupcake wrapper or atop a dollop of whipped cream on a small dessert plate. You can also stack them on a tiered tray for afternoon tea, or arrange with other citrus treats for a beautiful dessert board—these bars are never shy about showing off!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Key Lime Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay delightfully creamy and fresh for up to four days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert that actually improves with a little chill time.

Freezing

If you want to stow away a batch for future cravings, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and slip them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep their zing in the freezer for up to one month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight for a cool, ready-to-eat treat.

Reheating

No need to reheat these bars as they’re best served cold! If you’ve frozen your bars, simply thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying—no oven or microwave required.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

You can absolutely use regular limes in a pinch. While key limes have a more intense aroma and uniquely tart flavor, regular limes will still yield delicious, bright-tasting bars.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Be sure to bake the crust before pouring in the filling, which helps create a sturdy, crispy base. If you want an extra-firm crust, chill it in the fridge before baking as well.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking times, as a larger pan may need a few extra minutes for the filling to set.

Are Key Lime Pie Bars gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, these bars can easily be made gluten-free to suit everyone at your table.

What’s the best way to slice the bars cleanly?

Chill the bars thoroughly, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for the neatest squares. Lining your pan with parchment makes lifting and slicing so much easier.

Final Thoughts

If you love citrusy desserts that are easy to make and impossible to resist, you simply have to give Key Lime Pie Bars a try. Their zippy flavor and creamy texture are a surefire way to brighten your day and win over every sweet tooth at your table!

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and tangy goodness of these delightful Key Lime Pie Bars. A perfect blend of zesty lime flavor and sweet condensed milk atop a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are a refreshing dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the filling:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 tablespoon key lime zest

Optional toppings:

whipped cream
extra lime zest
lime slices

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the pan and bake until golden.
Prepare the filling: Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and zest until smooth.
Assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the crust and bake until set.
Cool and chill: Let the bars cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serve: Lift the bars out, slice, and top with whipped cream, lime zest, or slices.