Name: Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 4 large egg yolks; 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk; ½ cup key lime juice; 1 tablespoon lime zest; Whipped cream (optional); Lime slices or zest (optional)

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If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the zing of summer in every bite, these Key Lime Pie Bars are your new go-to. Imagine the creamy tartness of key lime pie, made magically portable and sharable—ideal for backyard parties or cozy family gatherings. The crumbly graham cracker crust melds with a luscious, tangy filling, bringing you the bold taste of key limes and a hint of sweet nostalgia. You’ll love how easy these bars are to make, serve, and even store for later—if they last that long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and bright, punchy limes, you’ll be amazed at how simple but essential these ingredients are to creating unforgettable Key Lime Pie Bars. Each one does its part in delivering the creamy, fresh, and slightly crunchy layers that make this dessert so special.

Graham cracker crumbs: The classic foundation for our crust, adding sweetness and a buttery crunch.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sugar balances the tartness and crisps up the crust.
Unsalted butter (melted): Butter binds the crumbs and creates that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Egg yolks: Only the yolks are used to create that luxuriously creamy filling—save the whites for another use!
Sweetened condensed milk: This is the secret to that unmistakable creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
Key lime juice: The star of the show—fresh if possible, but bottled works too for zingy citrus flavor.
Lime zest: Don’t skip the zest! It intensifies the lime flavor and releases aromatic oils.
Whipped cream (optional): Adds a dreamy, creamy cloud to offset the tang.
Lime slices or extra zest (optional): For garnish—these make your bars look bakery-worthy.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This clever trick will help you lift out your Key Lime Pie Bars effortlessly and ensures picture-perfect squares every time.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until every crumb is coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Don’t skimp on the pressing—this is what makes the crust hold together! Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly while you whip up the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a clean bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest. You want the mixture to be completely smooth and creamy, with no streaks of egg yolk visible. This is where the magic happens—the creamy filling is exactly what puts these Key Lime Pie Bars over the top!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the key lime filling over your slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Pop the pan back in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the center is just set. Don’t overbake—your bars should look firm with the slightest jiggle in the middle. Take them out and let them cool at room temperature for one hour.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

After cooling, refrigerate your bars for at least two hours (overnight is even better if you have the patience!). Chilling is crucial—that’s what sets the creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan, then cut into nine squares. Top each one with dollops of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest or a thin slice of lime for a bright, inviting finish.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Garnishes

The perfect finishing touch for Key Lime Pie Bars is a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream and a flash of green from freshly grated lime zest or thin slices of lime. Not only do these garnishes add visual appeal, but they also bring a pop of creamy sweetness and extra citrus fragrance that’s truly irresistible.

Side Dishes

While Key Lime Pie Bars easily stand on their own, they shine even brighter alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a platter of fresh berries. Pairing these zesty treats with lightly sweet or creamy sides helps balance their bold citrus flavor, setting off a little explosion of summery freshness at the end of any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To really impress, serve your Key Lime Pie Bars on individual plates with a smear of raspberry coulis or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for color and crunch. You could also layer small bar squares with whipped cream in parfait glasses for a dessert trifle, or use mini cupcake liners for a sweet grab-and-go party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Key Lime Pie Bars is how well they keep. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The filling stays creamy, and the crust keeps its texture, making these bars easy to prep ahead for parties or family desserts.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch in advance, these bars freeze beautifully! Once chilled and cut, arrange the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Key Lime Pie Bars are at their best served cold, but if you prefer taking the chill off, just let them rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before digging in. Avoid microwaving, as heat can make the creamy filling turn runny and the crust less crisp.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! While key limes provide a distinct, floral tartness, regular limes make a delicious (and often more convenient) substitute. You’ll still get the classic tart-and-creamy balance key to great Key Lime Pie Bars.

Why does the recipe use only egg yolks?

Egg yolks are the secret to the filling’s impossibly smooth texture and lovely yellow hue. They provide richness and help the filling set up just right when baked—no watery or curdled pie bars here!

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You can! Simply use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients. Keep an eye on the baking times, as the thicker filling may need a couple extra minutes in the oven. Check for that signature “just set” jiggle in the center before removing.

My bars are too soft—what went wrong?

If your bars are a bit too soft, it may be that they weren’t chilled long enough. Be sure to refrigerate them for at least two hours—but overnight works wonders for a firm, sliceable bar. Also, measure your wet ingredients carefully to keep the filling ratio just right!

Is whipped cream absolutely necessary?

While whipped cream is completely optional, it adds a delightful contrast to the tartness of the bars and feels a little bit indulgent. But if you want to keep things lighter or dairy-free, the Key Lime Pie Bars are every bit as tasty without it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a bright, refreshing dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to forget, these Key Lime Pie Bars deliver every time. With their creamy zing, crisp crust, and crowd-pleasing simplicity, they invite everyone to grab a square and savor a little slice of sunshine. Give this recipe a try—I can’t wait for you to fall in love with them!

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing citrus flavor of these Key Lime Pie Bars. A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, these creamy lime squares are a delightful dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

4 large egg yolks
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup key lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest

For Topping and Garnish:

Whipped cream (optional)
Lime slices or zest (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Make the Filling: Whisk egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and zest until smooth. Pour over the crust.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serve: Cut into squares and top with whipped cream and lime garnish.