Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite citrus treat! These Key Lime Pie Bars are a burst of tropical sunshine in every bite—dreamy, tangy, and guaranteed to disappear quickly whenever you set them out. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a velvety, tart lime filling, this dessert combines everything you love about classic key lime pie in a seriously snackable, crowd-pleasing bar form. These are the ultimate sweet for a summer gathering or an anytime-you-need-a-vacation moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together here to create spectacular flavor and texture. Each element plays its part, from the citrus zing that defines the bars to the buttery base that holds it all together.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the unmistakable, crunchy-yet-tender crust that anchors every good Key Lime Pie Bar.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the zingy lime and rich crust.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust and imparts that classic, irresistible richness.
- Egg yolks: Give the filling a creamy, custardy body and a beautiful golden hue.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to silky smooth texture and luscious sweetness.
- Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): The heart and soul of these bars, ensuring they’re packed with bright, citrusy flavor.
- Lime zest: Lends pops of fresh, aromatic lime oil throughout the filling and makes a gorgeous garnish.
- Pinch of salt: It’s a tiny addition that heightens every other flavor in the pan.
- Optional: whipped cream and extra lime zest for topping: Perfect for finishing each bar with a creamy flourish and a pop of color.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a little overhang on the sides for easy lifting once everything is set. This way, when your Key Lime Pie Bars are done chilling, you can pull them out as a whole slab—no stuck crust and minimal fuss!
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it looks like wet sand—all the crumbs should be moistened evenly. Dump this mixture into your prepared pan and use your hands or a flat-bottomed cup to press it firmly and evenly along the bottom. A well-packed crust is the key to bars that hold together beautifully. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden and set, then pull it out and let it cool slightly while you work on the filling.
Step 3: Mix the Tangy Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they look a bit thickened and creamy. This gives the filling its lovely texture. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and just a pinch of salt. Whisk or stir until everything is silky smooth and fully blended—you want flecks of vibrant green zest visible throughout. The aroma will be equal parts irresistible and refreshing!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour your lime filling over the warm, pre-baked crust and gently spread it into an even layer. Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for the center to be set but still slightly wobbly if you jiggle the pan—it’ll firm up as it cools. Pull it out and let it cool on the counter to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Once cooled to room temp, cover and chill the bars for at least 3 hours. This essential step allows the filling to fully set, making the bars scrumptiously creamy and easy to cut. When you’re ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan with your parchment paper overhang. Slice into 9 generous squares. For an extra flourish, dollop each with whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest before serving.
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Garnishes
A classic swirl of whipped cream and a rain of lime zest are all you need to take Key Lime Pie Bars from delicious to downright dazzling. You can also add thin slices of fresh lime or even candied lime peel if you’re feeling fancy. The contrast of the creamy topping with that zippy lime color makes each bar pop on the plate and will draw every eye!
Side Dishes
Pairing your Key Lime Pie Bars with something simple and light keeps the focus on their unique flavor. Try a platter of fresh berries, a bowl of tropical fruit salad, or a crisp glass of iced tea or prosecco. These choices refresh the palate and complement the citrus notes without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond a simple platter by stacking the bars in a pretty tower for dramatic effect, or serve each bar nestled in a cupcake liner for easy grab-and-go bites at potlucks. For a special occasion, dot the plate with extra lime curd, or drizzle a touch of white chocolate over each bar for added flair. However you serve them, these Key Lime Pie Bars are sure to wow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Key Lime Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay perfectly creamy and bright-flavored for up to 4 days—just make sure they are well-chilled before stacking, with parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing
Absolutely! Individually wrap the bars (minus any whipped cream garnish) in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, then add whipped cream and zest for that freshly-made look and taste.
Reheating
No need to reheat these bars—they’re meant to be served chilled for the best flavor and texture. If frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator until completely defrosted, then garnish and serve. The filling will stay luscious and set, just the way you want it!
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?
Absolutely! While true key limes deliver a special, bold tartness, regular lime juice works wonderfully in a pinch. Your Key Lime Pie Bars will still have a lovely citrus zing—just slightly less aromatic and tangy than key limes offer.
What’s the best way to get neat, clean slices?
For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice. Chilling the bars thoroughly makes a big difference, and running a knife under hot water (then drying it off) creates ultra-smooth edges. This keeps every Key Lime Pie Bar looking photo-ready!
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You sure can! Double all the ingredients and bake the bars in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time for both the crust and filling—they may need a couple extra minutes. Your friends and family will thank you!
Are these bars gluten-free?
Traditional graham crackers contain wheat, but you can easily swap in gluten-free graham crackers if needed. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making Key Lime Pie Bars a breeze to adapt for gluten sensitivities.
What makes key lime juice so special?
Key limes are smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, with a distinctly floral and tart flavor. This unique zestiness is what gives Key Lime Pie Bars their signature tang and fragrance—using key limes brings the magic of the Florida Keys right to your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
These Key Lime Pie Bars are bright, creamy, and totally irresistible—a genuine taste of summer anytime you crave it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a foolproof crowd-pleaser, give them a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!
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Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 43 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of these Key Lime Pie Bars, a delightful twist on the classic dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy, creamy lime filling, these bars are the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Extra lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: Whisk egg yolks, then add condensed milk, lime juice, zest, and salt. Pour over crust.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for 3 hours.
- Serve: Cut into bars and top with whipped cream and lime zest.
Notes
- Regular lime juice can be used as a substitute for key limes.
- For a firmer crust, add an extra tablespoon of butter.
- Bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg