Key Lime Pie Bars

Recipe By:

Alexandra

Posted:

July 11, 2025

Updated:

July 11, 2025

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Key lime pie bars are a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of key limes with a creamy filling, all set on a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging in a sweet craving. Their unique combination of tartness and sweetness makes them an irresistible dessert choice that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious bars without any fuss.
Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are easy to serve at parties or gatherings, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Refreshing Flavor: The combination of key lime juice and zest provides a refreshing burst of flavor that is sure to brighten your day.
Versatile Dessert: These key lime pie bars can be enjoyed year-round and are perfect for any season or occasion.
No-Bake Option Available: If you prefer to avoid baking altogether, you can prepare a no-bake version that is equally delicious!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving the perfect key lime pie bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Food processor or rolling pin
9×9-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

Food processor: Quickly crushes graham crackers into fine crumbs, saving you time and effort.
9×9-inch baking pan: The perfect size for creating evenly baked bars that are easy to cut.
Mixer: Ensures your cream cheese is fully blended, resulting in a smooth and creamy filling.

Ingredients

Key lime pie bars are a favorite dessert in a bar – a buttery graham cracker crust and a tart and creamy lime filling!!

For the Crust

15 sheets graham crackers (or 30 squares)
2 tablespoons sugar
pinch salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Filling

6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
1 tablespoon lime zest
½ cup key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a food processor or using a large Ziploc bag with a rolling pin, crush the graham crackers until fine crumbs form.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the crust bakes, beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk while mixing until fully combined.
Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in lime zest, juice, and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Filling and Crust

Pour the creamy filling over your hot baked crust. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes until set; do not let it brown.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool before chilling in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. When ready to serve, cut into squares and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars can be served in styles that elevate their deliciousness.

Classic Serving Suggestion

Whipped Cream: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
Lime Wedges: Serve with fresh lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.

Garnish Ideas

Lime Zest: Sprinkle some lime zest on top to enhance the tart flavor and add visual appeal.
Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet and tangy filling.

Pairing Suggestions

Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, balancing the tartness of the bars.
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside strawberries or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars

To achieve the best key lime pie bars, consider these essential tips. They will help you create a smooth, creamy filling and a perfectly baked crust.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh key limes if possible. They provide the best flavor compared to bottled lime juice.
Beat Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Ensure your cream cheese is fully blended before adding other ingredients. This prevents lumps in your filling.
Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
Chill for Best Texture: Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours after baking. Chilling enhances the flavors and texture significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Key Lime Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with key lime pie bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad complements the tartness of the bars while adding freshness.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats bring out tropical flavors that pair well with key lime.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The sweetness of chocolate balances the tanginess of the pie bars beautifully.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a rich contrast to the lightness of key lime pie bars.
Pineapple Sorbet: A refreshing pineapple sorbet cleanses the palate between bites of the rich dessert.
Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa adds an exotic flair that enhances the overall flavor profile during summer gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making key lime pie bars can be easy, but a few common mistakes can spoil your dessert.

Using stale graham crackers: Always ensure your graham crackers are fresh for the best crust. Stale crackers can lead to a soggy base.
Not measuring ingredients properly: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you add the correct amounts of sugar, lime juice, and other ingredients.
Overbaking the filling: The filling should be set but not browned. Keep an eye on your bars during the last few minutes of baking to avoid a rubbery texture.
Skipping the chill time: Allowing your bars to chill is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Don’t skip this step; it enhances flavor and makes cutting easier.
Ignoring lime juice quality: Fresh key lime juice provides a brighter flavor than bottled varieties. Whenever possible, opt for fresh limes to get that tangy kick.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Key lime pie bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Key Lime Pie Bars

Wrap individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Key Lime Pie Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds per bar, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Key Lime Pie Bars?
Key lime pie bars are a delicious dessert made with a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, tart lime filling. They’re similar to traditional key lime pie but served in convenient bar form.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes! Regular limes work well if you can’t find key limes. However, keep in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I know when my Key Lime Pie Bars are done?
The filling should be set but not firm and should not have any brown spots on top. A slight jiggle is fine; it will firm up as it cools.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives or use crushed nuts as a base for the crust.

Final Thoughts

Key lime pie bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert that offers both tangy flavor and creamy texture. They are perfect for gatherings or as a sweet treat at home. Feel free to customize these bars by adding coconut flakes or garnishing with whipped cream for extra flair! Enjoy making this versatile recipe!