If you love the tangy citrus flavor of classic key lime pie, you’re going to love these easy key lime pie bars! With a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet key lime pie filling, these easy dessert bars are the perfect Summer sweet treat.
Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this key lime dessert recipe is so easy to make. After a quick bake and a couple of hours to chill, you’ll have perfectly set dessert squares that slice beautifully and taste amazing!
If you love citrusy desserts, you may also like these lemon curd cupcakes.
Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe
The Perfect Balance Of Tangy & Sweet: These dessert bars capture the classic key lime pie flavor with just the right amount of citrusy zing and creamy sweetness. Plus the rich, velvety filling is both refreshing and indulgent.
Easy Make Ahead Dessert: With just a few pantry staples these key lime bars come together effortlessly. Plus, they’re easy to slice and serve, making them a stress-free treat for any occasion.
Crowd Pleasing Summer Dessert: This key lime dessert is perfect for summer party desserts! Whether served at a backyard cookout, a casual dinner with friends, or as a make-ahead dessert for a potluck or afternoon tea party, their light and creamy texture will make them an instant hit.
Ingredient Notes
To make key lime dessert bars, here is what you need to know about the ingredients. A complete list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card below.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: You can buy crumbs in bulk, or crush whole graham crackers in a food processor.
- Key Limes: Smaller and sweeter than regular limes, key limes are the hero ingredient in this recipe. If you can’t find them in your grocery store, you can buy key lime juice online.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: You’ll need two 14 oz cans. I recommend full fat condensed milk for the best tasting key lime pie filling.
Substitutions
Key Limes: If you can’t find fresh key limes or key lime juice, you can also use regular limes.
Note the flavor will be different. To best match the flavor of key limes, try a blend of 50/50 lime juice and lemon juice.
How To Make Key Lime Dessert Bars
Here’s a quick overview of how to make key lime pie dessert bars. For the full step by step recipe and ingredient list, scroll down to the printable recipe card.
You’ll need an 8×8-inch pan, a whisk, and a couple of large mixing bowls to get started.
Step 1: Make the crust. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar in a bowl. Pour this mixture into your baking dish lined with parchment paper (with overhang).
Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the pan, all the way to the edges. A flat bottomed glass works well to do this.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven (leave the oven on) and get started on your key lime pie filling.
Step 2: Make the filling. In a large bowl whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice and lime zest. Whisk until creamy and fully combined. You could use a hand mixer too for this step.
Pour the creamy filling over the crust and spread evenly. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until just set (the center may still be slightly jiggly).
Step 3: Chill. Remove from the oven, leave in the pan and cool to room temperature then pop the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to set completely.
Step 4: Slice And Serve. Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhand onto a chopping board. Slice into individual bars using a sharp knife.
Tip: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe between each cut.
Garnish as desired (I like a small dollop of whipped cream and a thin slice of lime) and serve chilled.
Recipe Tips For Success
- Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for clean edged slices
- Can’t find key limes at your local store? Buy Nellie & Joe’s key lime juice online.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) so the bars are completely firm before serving.
How To Store Key Lime Pie Bars
Store: Store leftover lime dessert squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place bars on a tray in the freezer until hard then stack with pieces of parchment paper in between and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thawing: Carefully separate the slices, remove the parchment paper and thaw bars on a plate or tray overnight in the fridge before serving cold.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkling of lime zest and a thin slice of lime for a gorgeous Summer dinner party dessert.
For a picnic or potluck dessert, cut the bars into small key lime pie bites and serve on a tray for the perfect Summery finger food dessert.
More Summer Desserts To Try
- This coffee granita is super refreshing for a hot summer day.
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Key Lime Pie Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
FOR THE CRUST
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
FOR THE FILLING
- 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk 2 x 14 oz cans
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup key lime juice
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
MAKE THE CRUST
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until evenly combined.
- Use your hands or a flat bottomed glass to press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring you press into the sides and corners.
- Bake the crust in the oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven, leave the oven on.
MAKE THE FILLING
- In a large bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, key lime juice, and lime zest until smooth and fully incorporated. Pour mixture on top of the crust in the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is just set and still has a slight jiggle in the center.
- Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
- When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares. Garnish as desired and serve chilled.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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