Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

Bright, tangy, and impossible to resist, these Key Lime Pie Bars are like sunshine wrapped up in dessert form! With a gorgeously buttery graham cracker crust, luscious citrus filling, and clouds of whipped cream, every bite instantly transports you to a tropical daydream. If you adore classic key lime pie but want an easy, shareable treat for any occasion, you’re about to meet your new favorite recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe might look fancy, but all you need are a handful of super-simple ingredients that work some real magic together. Each one—crackers, zest, and cream included—has a special job, from building flavor to nailing that dreamy Key Lime Pie Bars texture.

• Graham Crackers: These form the golden, buttery base—either crush your own or use store-bought crumbs for the crust.
• Light Brown Sugar: A touch of caramel sweetness that deepens the flavor of the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: The melted glue that binds your crust and adds richness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates the iconic creamy texture and gently sweet flavor in the filling.
• Eggs & Egg Yolks: Whole egg and extra yolks give the filling structure and a velvety richness.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a delicate, aromatic note that rounds out the citrus punch.
• Lime Juice: The heart of Key Lime Pie Bars—freshly squeezed, if possible, for unbeatable zing!
• Full-Fat Yogurt: Gives extra tanginess and smoothness to the filling.
• Lime Zest: Packs a fragrant punch—don’t skip it for maximum citrus aroma!
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tart lime beautifully.
• Cold Heavy Cream: Whipped for a fluffy, cloud-like topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without making it grainy.
• Extra Lime Zest: Gives a pop of color and a final burst of freshness as garnish.

Variations

Key Lime Pie Bars play well with all kinds of twists! Whether you’re accommodating a food allergy, chasing extra flavor, or just using what’s in your kitchen, these swaps and additions make it easy to make each batch your own.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free graham crackers to make the crust celiac-friendly.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and dairy-free condensed milk for a creamy, plant-based version that still tastes tropical.
• Lemon-Lime Bars: Mix in lemon juice and zest for a lemon-lime twist if you don’t have enough limes on hand.
• Crust Swaps: Try digestive biscuits, shortbread, or vanilla wafer cookies in place of graham crackers for a totally different base.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a two-inch overhang on the sides. This handy sling makes it a breeze to lift out your bars later—no crumbling or sticking!

Step 2: Make and Bake the Crust

Break up your graham crackers and pulse in a food processor until you’ve got fine crumbs (or use pre-made crumbs if you like). Add light brown sugar and melted butter, then pulse again until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this into your prepared pan to create a flat, even layer, then bake for about 15 minutes until it smells amazing and starts darkening at the edges.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, whole egg, and egg yolks with vanilla until totally smooth. Stir in the lime juice, then the yogurt and lime zest, followed by the sugar. The filling will look creamy and slightly pale—exactly what you want!

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Pour the filling over your warm (or even still slightly warm) crust. Turn the oven down to 325°F and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just set and the center still gently jiggles. This is what gives them the luxuriously creamy texture.

Step 5: Chill and Top

Let the pan cool on a wire rack, then cover and chill for at least four hours—overnight is even better for the dreamiest slices. Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread generously over the bars for a beautiful, cloud-like topping. Finish with plenty of lime zest, cut into squares, and serve cold for a true Key Lime Pie Bars experience!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, top each bar with a generous sprinkle of lime zest—the flecks of green bring brightness and a hint of citrus oil. If you like, go the extra mile by adding thin slices or curls of fresh lime or a tiny sprig of mint for that pop of color and a hint of garden freshness.

Side Dishes

These Key Lime Pie Bars are delightful on their own, but they’re a fantastic end to anything grilled, picnic salads, or summer spreads. If you’re feeling bold, serve them with a scoop of coconut or vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence—and maybe a few fresh berries on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving your bars on a platter dusted with extra zest or edible flowers, or slip each square into a mini cupcake wrapper for easy, grab-and-go treats. Layered in parfait glasses with crumbs and cream for a deconstructed twist, Key Lime Pie Bars can even double as a picnic-friendly, portable dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Key Lime Pie Bars covered tightly in the refrigerator. They’ll stay perfectly fresh and creamy for up to 4 days—though honestly, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the bars (without whipped cream topping!) for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding a fresh swirl of whipped cream and serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed—these bars are best served cold! If you’ve frozen them, allow to thaw gently in the fridge; for a firmer bite, serve straight from the fridge, or let soften briefly at room temperature for a silkier texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall head over heels for a dessert that’s creamy, zesty, and just downright joyful, these Key Lime Pie Bars are calling your name. They’re easy enough for a weekday treat and impressive enough for a crowd—so don’t wait for a special occasion, bake up a batch and indulge in a little tropical escape, one luscious square at a time.

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