Name: Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Graham cracker crumbs; Butter; Sugar; Sweetened condensed milk; Key lime juice (or regular lime juice); Lime zest; Egg yolks; Whipped cream (for topping)

Looking for a deliciously tart and creamy dessert that’s simple to make? Look no further than Key Lime Pie Bars! These bars are everything you love about traditional key lime pie but in a more portable, easy-to-serve bar form. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy lime filling, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer BBQ, a potluck, or just want a refreshing dessert, these key lime pie bars are sure to hit the spot. Keep reading for the step-by-step guide on how to make these irresistibly sweet and tangy treats!

What Are Key Lime Pie Bars?

Key Lime Pie Bars are a simpler, handheld version of the classic key lime pie. Made with a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy, citrusy filling, these bars have all the flavors of the traditional pie but in an easy-to-cut and shareable form. The tartness of the key lime juice is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of condensed milk and the buttery crust, making each bite a refreshing burst of flavor. They’re also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and a short amount of prep time.

These bars are especially popular during the warmer months due to their refreshing citrus flavor, but they’re delicious year-round for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Key Lime Pie Bars

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full crackers)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt

For the Key Lime Filling:

3 large egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
1 tablespoon lime zest (from about 2-3 key limes or regular limes)

For Garnish (Optional):

Whipped cream
Lime slices or zest for decoration

Substitutions and Variations

Key lime pie bars are highly adaptable, and you can tweak the recipe based on your preferences or ingredient availability.

Substitutions:

Key Limes: If you can’t find key limes, you can substitute regular Persian limes or use bottled key lime juice. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be deliciously tart and refreshing.
Graham Cracker Crust: For a different flavor, try using digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even gingersnap cookies instead of graham crackers for the crust.
Butter: You can use salted butter instead of unsalted, just omit the pinch of salt in the crust.
Dairy-Free: To make the recipe dairy-free, use coconut milk-based condensed milk and a plant-based butter alternative for the crust.

Variations:

Coconut Crust: Mix shredded coconut into the graham cracker crust for a tropical twist.
Berry Swirl: Add a raspberry or strawberry swirl to the lime filling by dropping small spoonfuls of fruit puree on top of the filling and swirling it with a toothpick before baking.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent finish, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top of the bars once they’ve cooled.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.

Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan

Pour the graham cracker mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a spatula to press the crumbs down evenly, making sure to form an even layer. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Key Lime Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest, and whisk until fully combined and creamy. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Pour the Filling Over the Crust

Once the crust has cooled for a few minutes, pour the key lime filling over the baked crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly over the crust.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Bake the key lime pie bars in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. The bars will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. Chilling is key to getting the perfect texture and flavor in the bars.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once the bars are fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices.

Step 9: Garnish (Optional)

Top the bars with whipped cream, a sprinkle of lime zest, or small slices of lime for decoration before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Pressing the Crust Firmly: If the crust isn’t pressed down firmly enough, it may crumble when you cut the bars. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a spatula to really pack the crust down tightly.
Overbaking the Filling: The key lime filling should have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove the bars from the oven. Overbaking will result in a rubbery texture.
Skipping the Chilling Step: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for setting the bars and allowing the flavors to meld together. Letting the bars chill in the fridge will also make slicing easier.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Serve these bars chilled for the best flavor and texture. They’re perfect for a summer gathering, picnic, or a refreshing end to a dinner party. You can serve them as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added creaminess.

Presentation Ideas for Key Lime Pie Bars

Decorate with Lime Zest: Sprinkle freshly grated lime zest over the top of the bars for a vibrant pop of color and extra citrus flavor.
Whipped Cream Swirls: Use a piping bag to add small swirls of whipped cream on top of each bar for a fancy touch.
Lime Slices: Garnish each bar with a small slice of lime or a twist of lime peel for a fun, tropical presentation.
Serve on Colorful Plates: For a bright and summery look, serve the bars on colorful plates or platters to complement the citrusy theme.

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe Tips

Use Fresh Key Lime Juice: For the most authentic flavor, try to use freshly squeezed key lime juice. If you can’t find fresh key limes, bottled key lime juice works too, but the flavor may be slightly less vibrant.
Zesting Limes: Be careful not to zest too deeply into the white pith of the lime, as it can be bitter. Stick to the bright green outer layer of the lime peel for the best flavor.
Storage: Store leftover key lime pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can substitute regular Persian limes for key limes if needed. The flavor will be slightly different, but the bars will still taste delicious and citrusy.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, key lime pie bars are a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze key lime pie bars?

Yes, key lime pie bars freeze well. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

4. How do I prevent my bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is the best way to prevent the bars from sticking. Be sure to leave some overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out of the pan once they’re chilled.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a refreshingly zesty lime filling, these bars are sure to impress your guests while being incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them at a summer barbecue, a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself to a citrusy dessert, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Try these easy Key Lime Pie Bars today and enjoy a taste of tropical sunshine in every bite!