Key Lime Pie Bars are a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic key lime pie, with a creamy, tangy lime filling set atop a buttery graham cracker crust. These bars offer all the bright, zesty flavor of a traditional key lime pie but in a portable, easy-to-serve form. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a sweet treat to cool off on a warm day, these bars are sure to impress with their balance of tart lime flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Lime Pie Bars bring all the bright and refreshing flavors of a traditional key lime pie in a more convenient and manageable form. With a buttery, crispy graham cracker crust, a rich and tangy lime filling, and a creamy topping, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart. They’re simple to make, require no special ingredients, and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great choice for summer parties, gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet and citrusy. The tangy lime flavor is balanced by a smooth texture, making each bite a burst of refreshing goodness.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the lime filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)

• 2 tbsp lime zest (from about 2 limes)

• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

   • In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.

   • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.

   • Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the lime filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

   • Add the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, lime zest, and sour cream. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

   • Pour the lime filling over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly.

3. Bake the bars:

   • Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly firm. The center should still have a slight jiggle.

   • Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, to fully set.

4. Prepare the topping:

   • In a medium bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

   • Once the bars are fully chilled and set, spread the whipped cream topping over the bars evenly.

   • Optionally, garnish with extra lime zest or thin lime slices for decoration.

5. Serve:

   • Cut the bars into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the refreshing tang of key lime with every bite!

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.

• Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Baking time: 15-18 minutes

• Chilling time: 2-3 hours minimum (overnight is best)

• Total time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to overnight

Variations

• Add fruit topping: For added flavor and color, top the bars with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist on the classic key lime pie.

• Coconut crust: Add shredded coconut to the graham cracker crust mixture for a tropical flavor to complement the lime filling.

• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the bars for a contrast to the tangy lime filling and a touch of richness.

• No-bake version: If you prefer a no-bake version, you can chill the crust and filling separately and skip the baking process for a more refreshing treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Key Lime Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They must be kept chilled due to the creamy filling.

• Reheating: These bars are best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply remove them from the refrigerator and serve straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make Key Lime Pie Bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They need a few hours to chill and set properly, so they can be prepared the day before or even a day or two ahead of time.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lime juice if necessary. Just make sure to choose a high-quality lime juice for the best taste.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may slightly alter the texture. Full-fat cream cheese will give the bars a richer, creamier texture.

Can I skip the whipped cream topping?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the whipped cream topping. You can also top the bars with a dollop of fresh whipped cream right before serving, if you like.

How can I make the bars more tangy?

To increase the tanginess of the bars, you can add more lime juice or lime zest to the filling. Just be careful not to add too much, as it might affect the texture of the filling.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the crust gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substituting with another gluten-free cookie, such as gluten-free shortbread.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The filling should be mostly set, with a slight jiggle in the center when you shake the pan. The edges should be firm and slightly puffed, but the center will continue to set as it cools.

Can I freeze Key Lime Pie Bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 1-2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different citrus for these bars?

While traditional key lime pie bars use key limes, you can substitute regular limes, or even lemons, for a different citrus flavor. The recipe will still be delicious with these variations!

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust to save time. However, homemade crust will add more flavor and texture to the bars, so it’s recommended to make your own when possible.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and refreshing flavors, all packed into a convenient, easy-to-serve bar format. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy lime filling, and a whipped topping, these bars are ideal for summer gatherings or whenever you crave something citrusy and cool. They’re simple to make, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday or a casual treat, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit!

Print