If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as bright and cheerful as a summer afternoon, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe. These bars capture all the tangy, creamy magic of classic key lime pie, but in an easy-to-share, hand-held form. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a zesty filling that’s both rich and refreshing, this recipe is a real crowd-pleaser—perfect for potlucks, family picnics, or just a treat-yourself moment at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this dessert is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component is carefully chosen to add flavor, texture, or a pop of color to your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe.

Graham cracker crumbs: The classic pie base, these provide the bars with a sweet, slightly crunchy foundation.
Granulated sugar: Just the right amount to balance the tartness of the lime and sweeten the crust.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crumbs together and brings a rich, buttery flavor.
Egg yolks: These give the filling its silky texture and beautiful yellow hue.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds luscious creaminess and sweetness while helping set the filling.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): The star of the show—fresh brings extra zing, but bottled works perfectly for convenience.
Key lime zest: Infuses the filling with aromatic citrus oils for an extra burst of lime flavor.
Optional toppings (whipped cream, lime zest, or thin lime slices): These finishing touches add beauty and a little extra indulgence.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This small step makes removing and slicing your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe a breeze later on.

Step 2: Make and Bake the Crust

In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything looks like wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure to get it into every corner. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. When it’s done, set it aside to cool slightly—this helps the crust stay crisp under the creamy filling.

Step 3: Whisk the Filling

While the crust is cooling, whisk your egg yolks in a medium bowl until they’re thickened and pale yellow, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest. Whisk until the mixture is silky smooth and everything is fully combined. This is where the magic happens—the aroma alone will have you dreaming of tropical breezes!

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the lime filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out to the edges. Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, just until the center sets and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. This step sets the filling without overbaking, keeping it luscious and creamy.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Let your bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is key—it allows the filling to firm up perfectly, making slicing so satisfying and clean.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful and delicious finish, top your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of fresh lime zest, or even a thin slice of lime on each bar. These touches add a lovely pop of color and an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

Side Dishes

These bars are wonderfully rich and tangy, so pairing them with fresh berries, a fruit salad, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a balanced dessert plate. If you’re serving them at a party, offer iced tea or a simple sparkling drink to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try cutting your bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a tiered dessert tray. You can also layer them in small mason jars with whipped cream for a picnic-friendly parfait version of your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe. Individual cupcake liners make them easy to grab at a potluck or picnic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They actually taste even better after a day, as the flavors meld and the filling becomes even creamier. Place wax paper between layers if stacking to keep them looking picture-perfect.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve their perfect texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe—they’re meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like to take the chill off, let them sit out for about 10 minutes before serving. This brings out their bright, tangy flavor even more.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes have a unique flavor, regular Persian limes work well and still deliver that signature tartness in this Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe.

Is it necessary to use parchment paper in the pan?

Using parchment paper makes it much easier to lift out and slice your bars neatly, but if you don’t have any, you can simply grease the pan well. Just be gentle when removing the bars.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. The baking times may need slight adjustment, so keep an eye on the filling and crust as they bake.

What’s the best way to zest limes?

Use a microplane or fine grater, and only zest the green part of the skin (the white pith underneath is bitter). Zesting directly over the filling captures all those fragrant citrus oils for your Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe.

How far in advance can I make these bars?

You can make them up to 2 days ahead. Just keep them chilled and add any whipped cream or garnishes right before serving to keep everything fresh and pretty.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s equal parts creamy, tangy, and refreshingly sweet, this Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make (and how quickly it disappears!). Enjoy every zesty, sunshine-filled bite!

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 4 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Key Lime Pie Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a tangy and creamy key lime filling, perfect for a refreshing dessert that’s easy to prepare and delightful for lime lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

4 large egg yolks
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 tablespoon key lime zest

Optional topping:

Whipped cream
Lime zest
Thin lime slices

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well combined. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until thick and pale, about 1–2 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Bake the bars: Pour the lime filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggles.
Cool and chill: Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to set completely.
Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into 9 bars and optionally top with whipped cream, additional lime zest, or thin lime slices before serving.

Notes

For a firmer crust, chill the crust in the refrigerator after pre-baking before adding the filling.
Bottled key lime juice is a convenient substitute if fresh key limes are unavailable.
The bars can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American