The Perfect Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe: Zesty Treats in Minutes

Key lime pie bars sparkle with zesty tropical charm and irresistible sweetness.

These delectable treats convert a classic pie into a convenient, handheld dessert that tantalizes taste buds.

Creamy and bright, the bars balance tart citrus notes with rich, smooth textures that dance across your palate.

Graham cracker crusts provide a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the silky filling.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert appeals to both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices seeking a crowd-pleasing recipe.

Simple ingredients and minimal preparation make these bars an ideal choice for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that promises pure culinary joy.

Ingredients for Bright and Tangy Key Lime Pie Bars

• Graham Crackers: Classic base for pie crust with sweet, crumbly texture perfect for dessert foundations.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps graham cracker crumbs stick together.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth base that creates creamy, tangy foundation for the filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and helps create smooth, dense texture.
• Egg Yolks: Provide structure and richness to the filling, helping it set properly.
• Key Lime Juice: Signature tart flavor that defines the classic pie taste.
• Lime Zest: Adds bright, intense lime essence and aromatic notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds subtle depth to the filling.

• Optional Whipped Cream: Light topping that complements the tangy lime flavor.
• Fresh Lime Slices: Decorative garnish that hints at the pies key lime flavor.

How to Make Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper for super easy removal and cleanup.

Step 2: Create Graham Cracker Crust

• Food processor method
• Ziploc bag and rolling pin method

Step 3: Mix Crust Ingredients

• Sugar
• Salt
• Melted butter

Mix until all ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, creating a solid foundation for your bars.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and silky. Gradually add condensed milk while mixing thoroughly.

Step 6: Add Egg Yolks

Incorporate egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is completely blended before adding the next.

Step 7: Flavor the Filling

• Lime zest
• Lime juice
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the filling reaches a consistent, creamy texture.

Step 8: Pour and Spread Filling

Carefully pour the creamy filling over the baked crust. Spread evenly, making sure it doesn’t spill over the edges.

Step 9: Final Baking

Return to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The filling should be just set but not browned on top.

Step 10: Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool slightly, then refrigerate for 2-4 hours. This helps the flavors meld and creates the perfect texture.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, cut into bars carefully. Serve chilled for maximum deliciousness.

Step 12: Store Properly

Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days – if they last that long!

Tips to Perfect Your Key Lime Pie Bars

• Crush Crackers Perfectly: Use a food processor for uniform, fine graham cracker crumbs that create a smooth, compact crust without lumps.
• Prevent Crust Cracking: Press graham cracker mixture gently but firmly into the pan, ensuring an even layer that bakes consistently without breaking.
• Achieve Silky Filling: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create a velvety smooth texture for your pie bars.
• Master Lime Intensity: Zest limes before juicing to maximize flavor, and choose fresh key limes for the most authentic, vibrant citrus punch.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate bars for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to develop and set properly, creating a firmer, more delectable dessert.

How to Store and Reheat Key Lime Pie Bars Properly

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover key lime pie bars to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
• Freezing: Carefully wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the creamy texture and prevent soggy crust.
• Reheating: Enjoy these bars chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best taste. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Key Lime Pie Bars

• Pair with Tropical Cocktail: Blend a refreshing mojito or margarita to complement the tangy lime flavor of the bars, creating a zesty and vibrant taste experience that enhances the dessert's citrusy notes.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity and light body perfectly balance the creamy richness of the key lime pie bars.
• Serve with Fresh Berries: Garnish the bars with a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding a sweet and tart contrast that elevates the dessert's overall flavor profile and provides a beautiful presentation.
• Complement with Coconut Whipped Cream: Top the bars with a dollop of coconut-infused whipped cream, introducing a tropical twist that harmonizes beautifully with the key lime's bright, zesty character.

New Flavors to Try in Key Lime Pie Bars

• Tropical Paradise Bars: Swap key lime juice with passion fruit or mango puree for a vibrant, exotic flavor profile that transports taste buds to a sunny beach.
• Coconut Crunch Edition: Replace graham cracker crust with toasted coconut flakes and macadamia nut crumbs, adding a crunchy tropical texture to the classic dessert.
• Chocolate Lovers' Remix: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the chilled bars and sprinkle sea salt for a decadent, sophisticated twist that balances sweet and tangy notes.
• Berry Burst Version: Top the bars with a fresh mixed berry compote or swirl raspberry sauce through the filling for a vibrant, fruity enhancement that complements the creamy base.

What Makes Key Lime Pie Bars So Addictive

• Savor Tangy Tropical Delight: These key lime pie bars burst with zesty citrus flavor that instantly transports you to a sunny beach vacation, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite.
• Effortless Gourmet Treat: The simple no-fuss preparation makes these bars a breeze to create, allowing even novice bakers to whip up a restaurant-quality dessert with minimal kitchen skills and time investment.
• Crowd-Pleasing Portable Dessert: Perfectly portioned bars make this treat ideal for picnics, potlucks, and gatherings, eliminating the hassle of traditional pie cutting while delivering maximum flavor and crowd-pleasing appeal.
• Creamy Texture Perfection: The smooth, velvety filling combined with the crisp graham cracker crust creates a delightful textural contrast that melts in your mouth, making each bite a luxurious experience.

Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Key Lime Pie Bars deliver zesty Florida sunshine in a creamy, tangy dessert. Silky graham cracker crust and luscious lime filling create a refreshing treat that brings tropical paradise directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) original cream cheese, room temperature
• 14 ounces (397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest

Crust Ingredients:

• 15 sheets graham crackers
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pinch salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch (23×23 centimeters) baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for effortless removal.
2. Transform graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a large resealable plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
3. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and melted unsalted butter in a medium mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture achieves a consistent, moldable texture.
4. Firmly press the crumb mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a compact crust.
5. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and set, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
6. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
7. Gradually incorporate the sweetened condensed milk into the cream cheese, mixing thoroughly to create a velvety base.
8. Carefully add egg yolks one at a time, blending completely after each addition to ensure a uniform mixture.
9. Introduce fresh lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, and pure vanilla extract, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
10. Gently pour the lime-infused filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface in an even layer.
11. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching carefully to prevent browning and ensure the filling is just set with a slight wobble in the center.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator.
13. Chill the bars for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to completely set.
14. Using a sharp knife, cut into precise squares and serve chilled.
15. Store any remaining bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Elevate your dessert game with these tangy, creamy bars that pack a zesty punch of tropical flavor.
• Crushing graham crackers creates the perfect crispy foundation for this irresistible sweet treat.
• Smooth cream cheese and condensed milk blend together to form a silky, luxurious filling that melts in your mouth.
• Fresh lime juice and zest deliver a bright, citrusy kick that transforms ordinary bars into an extraordinary dessert experience.
• Chilling allows flavors to develop fully, ensuring each bite is more delicious than the last.
• Storing in an airtight container helps maintain the bars’ perfect texture and keeps them fresh for multiple days of enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 272 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 185 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: <1 g
• Protein: 3.6 g
• Cholesterol: 122 mg