Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe: Fresh, Tangy Bliss in Every Bite

Creamy, tangy key lime pie bars burst with tropical sunshine on a buttery graham cracker crust.

These zesty key lime pie bars deliver a refreshing dessert that dances between sweet and tart.

Bright citrus notes mingle with smooth, velvety filling for an irresistible treat.

Summer or winter, these bars bring a slice of Florida’s vibrant flavor to your table.

No baking skills required – just simple ingredients and a few easy steps.

The recipe promises a delightful dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips for Tangy Key Lime Bars

• Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even graham cracker crumbs for a smooth, consistent crust that holds together well.
• Grate lime zest carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath, to maximize fresh lime flavor without unwanted bitterness.
• Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set completely, ensuring clean, crisp cuts and ideal texture.
• Watch the filling closely during baking; it should be slightly jiggly in the center to maintain a creamy, smooth consistency.
• Keep bars refrigerated until serving to maintain their shape and provide a refreshing, cool dessert experience.

Key Lime Pie Bar Mix-Ins and Upgrades

• Gluten-Free Zesty Lime Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Citrus Dream Bars: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, use aquafaba instead of egg yolks, and create a nut-based crust with dates and pecans.
• Low-Sugar Lime Sensation: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, swap condensed milk for a sugar-free alternative, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
• Tropical Coconut Lime Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crust, mix coconut extract into the filling, and top with toasted coconut flakes for an island-inspired dessert.

Serving Key Lime Pie Bars Chilled

• Tropical Beach Party Platter: Arrange bars on a wooden board with fresh mint leaves, creating a vibrant summer-inspired presentation perfect for poolside gatherings.
• Citrus Dessert Elegance: Dust bars with powdered sugar and add thin lime zest curls for an upscale, refined look that elevates the classic treat.
• Brunch Companion Delight: Serve bars alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a light, refreshing morning or afternoon dessert that complements coffee or tea.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack bars in individual parchment squares for a portable, mess-free dessert that travels well for outdoor adventures and family gatherings.

Best Storage for Key Lime Pie Bars

• Keep key lime pie bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual bars separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let frozen bars sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to soften naturally. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and prevent soggy crust.
• Remove bars from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and achieve ideal creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What are key limes and how do they differ from regular limes?

Key limes are smaller, more tart, and have a more intense flavor compared to regular Persian limes. They’re typically grown in Florida and Mexico, with a yellowish-green color and a distinct aromatic profile that gives key lime pie its signature tangy taste.

• Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, bottled key lime juice works perfectly fine if fresh key limes are unavailable. Just ensure you’re using 100% key lime juice for the most authentic flavor. Most grocery stores carry bottled key lime juice in the baking or cocktail mixers section.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

The filling should look set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Bright & Tart: Key Lime Pie Bars for Summer

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Tangy key lime flavor and creamy texture make these bars a hit at potlucks, summer parties, and family gatherings.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure even novice bakers can create a professional-looking dessert with minimal effort.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Easily adaptable for various occasions, from casual weekend treats to elegant dinner party finales.

Everything for Key Lime Pie Bars, Gathered Here

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps it bind together.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the crust hold its shape and adds rich flavor.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture and provides sweetness to the filling.
• Key Lime Juice: Delivers the signature tangy and bright citrus flavor of the pie.
• Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and adds aromatic citrus notes.
• Egg Yolks: Help thicken the filling and create a silky smooth consistency.

• Whipped Cream, Lime Slices: Optional garnishes that add a fresh and decorative touch to the bars.

How to Make Key Lime Bars Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it completely with parchment paper.

Ensure the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

Mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove and let cool.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Filling

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh key lime juice
• Lime zest
• Egg yolks

Whisk all ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Pour and Spread Filling

Gently pour the lime mixture over the cooled crust.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

The filling should look just set with a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to help the bars firm up.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper.

Cut into squares.

Top with dollops of whipped cream and garnish with thin lime slices if desired.

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Zesty key lime pie bars bring sunshine from Florida’s orchards to your dessert table. Creamy, tangy filling nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust delivers refreshing summer flavors you’ll crave with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.25 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups (1 stick/113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 0.5 cups fresh key lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest

Garnish Ingredients:

• Whipped cream
• Lime zest
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, creating a cohesive base mixture that will form the crust.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a compact foundation.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool completely.
5. Whisk sweetened condensed milk with key lime juice, lime zest, and egg yolks until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
6. Gently pour the lime filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
7. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center which indicates perfect doneness.
8. Remove from oven and let the bars cool to room temperature, which helps the filling set properly.
9. Refrigerate the bars for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve a firm, sliceable consistency.
10. Cut into individual squares and optionally garnish with dollops of whipped cream and delicate lime slice accents before serving.

Notes

• Achieve a perfectly crisp crust by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, using the back of a measuring cup for uniform compaction.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of salt to the graham cracker base, which balances the sweetness and highlights the tangy lime notes.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same binding technique with melted butter.
• Prevent overbaking the filling by watching for a slight jiggle in the center, ensuring a creamy, silky texture that doesn’t become rubbery or dry.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg