If you love the zingy, sun-drenched flavor of key lime pie but crave something hand-held and perfect for sharing, this Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine a rich and buttery graham cracker crust layered with a creamy, tangy key lime filling—each bite is pure summer. Even better? These bars are delightfully simple to make, with ingredients you probably have on hand. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just need a little citrus pick-me-up, these bars deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in every square.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, you can whip up this vibrant dessert. Each one plays a starring role, creating that classic layered effect—crunchy, creamy, and bright all at once. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters:

Graham cracker crumbs: These create the classic, toasty pie crust texture and hold the bars together.
Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crumbs, bringing richness and helping the crust set perfectly.
Sweetened condensed milk: Lends ultra-creamy sweetness to the filling—there’s no substitute for that luscious texture!
Large egg yolks: Give the filling structure and a gorgeous, custardy richness.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): The true star—provides signature tartness and that unmistakable flavor.
Key lime zest: Brightens the whole dessert and amps up the citrus aroma.
Whipped cream and lime slices for topping (optional): These fresh garnishes add a creamy finish and pop of color.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. This will make sure your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe comes out clean and easy to slice, while the oven gets to just the right temperature.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir everything well until the mixture looks like damp sand—every crumb should be coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure to reach the corners. Bake this for 10 minutes, so it sets and develops that classic, toasty flavor. Remove and let it cool slightly while you work on the luscious filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Key Lime Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and key lime zest. Keep whisking until the mixture is silky smooth and evenly combined. This is where the real magic of the Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe happens, transforming simple ingredients into a tart, creamy cloud!

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the key lime mixture over your cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or just until the center is set and no longer wobbly. Be careful not to overbake—this keeps the bars velvety and smooth. Let them cool at room temperature before transferring to the fridge.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Patience is key! Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better). This helps the filling firm up beautifully for perfect, clean slices. Use a sharp knife (wiping it between cuts) to cut the bars into squares. Top them off with whipped cream and bright lime slices if you’d like. Your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe is ready for its big debut.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A classic swirl of whipped cream and a thin slice of lime on each bar make these treats look bakery-worthy. The creaminess of the whipped topping harmonizes with the tartness of the bars, while a sprinkling of extra lime zest adds fresh color and tang.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these bars for a party or as part of a dessert spread, try pairing them with other light, fruity desserts like fresh berries or a simple fruit salad. Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a twist of lime enhance the whole citrusy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

These bars look lovely on a platter lined with parchment or dainty individual cupcake wrappers for grab-and-go snacking. For a playful summer touch, top each slice with colorful edible flowers or candied lime peel. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for a dessert bar or picnic—and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe tasting freshly made, store the bars covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay creamy and delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long! Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These bars freeze surprisingly well! Arrange the completely cooled and cut bars on a lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

No need to reheat—these bars are meant to be served chilled for ultimate creaminess. If they’ve been frozen, just let them thaw in the refrigerator. Enjoy straight from the fridge for that cool, refreshing zing!

FAQs

What’s the difference between key lime and regular lime juice?

Key lime juice has a more floral, tart flavor than regular Persian lime juice. Although bottled key lime juice works in a pinch, freshly squeezed key limes bring the most authentic taste to your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan instead. The baking time may need to be increased by 2–5 minutes, so watch for the filling to be just set in the center.

How do I get clean, neat slices?

For perfectly neat bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a warm, damp towel between each cut. Chilling the bars fully before slicing also helps achieve those super-clean lines.

Is it okay to use regular limes if I can’t find key limes?

You sure can! Regular limes will yield a slightly different (but still delicious) flavor, and no one will complain when they’re biting into a slice of this Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe. Use the same amount as you would key limes.

Can I make this Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for regular. All other ingredients in this Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, this Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe is a true gem. Vibrant and fresh yet deliciously simple, it brings a taste of the tropics to any table—no matter the season. Give it a try and let these citrusy bars brighten up your day!

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the refreshing taste of Key Lime Pie Bars, a delightful citrus dessert that’s perfect for summer. These bars are a zesty twist on the classic key lime pie, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy filling. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

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

For Topping (Optional):

Whipped cream
Lime slices

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a lined baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
Make the Filling: Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth. Pour over the cooled crust.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Serve: Slice into bars and top with whipped cream and lime slices if desired.