Key Lime Pie Bars
Key Lime Pie Bars: A heavenly citrus treat made to feed a crowd! Each bite tastes like Key lime pie but without all the work!
The perfect balance of sweet and tangy makes Key Lime Desserts a Floridian classic. The graham cracker crust and lime-infused custard are an unbeatable pairing!
Why You Must Make
- It’s an easy way to get your key lime pie fix without all the work.
- Every bite is a delicious party in your mouth! They’re sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy!
- Even if you don’t have access to Key limes, you can make this with standard limes.
The hubby loves his lemon desserts but gives lime the cold shoulder. Really??? I love, love Key lime pie. The tart and creamy filling in a sweet graham cracker crust is a delightful pairing. But since I cannot justify making a whole pie for myself, I make these bars when I can share them with my girlfriends or neighbors. And bars are easier to transport than a pie.
Expert Tips
- First, you have to track down some of those small Key limes that come from Florida, California, Mexico or the Caribbean. PRO-Tip: But if you can’t locate any Key limes, regular Persian limes work well. They’re a bit more acidic, but much tastier and fresher tasting than the bottled Key lime juice.
- You will use both lime juice and zest in this Key Lime Pie Bars recipe. Don’t bother trying to zest your mini Key limes, as it’s much easier to use a standard lime and you’ll never know the difference.
- The crust is like your basic graham cracker crust. Either buy graham cracker crumbs or make your own by processing full-sized graham crackers in a food processor. Those will be mixed with melted butter and a bit of sugar. This mixture is pressed onto the bottom of your prepared panpan, then baked.
- The Key lime filling is like the typical pie filling, made with juice, zest, egg yolks, and a can of sweetened condensed milk. Mix and spread evenly with an offset spatula over the crust, then bake.
- For company, you may garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a thin slice of lime. A berry adds a nice contrast but isn’t necessary!
- This recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch pan. You will need to extend the baking time until the center looks set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key limes have thinner more yellow skin and more seeds than standard or Persian limes. Persian limes have a lower pH, meaning they’re more acidic than Key Limes.
Yes, standard lime juice works well in key lime dessert recipes. Since Key limes aren’t available in local markets all year long, and bottled Key lime juice isn’t that tasty (often considered bitter or rancid!), it’s a great substitution.
Yes, they freeze well if wrapped airtight. First, place them in the freezer for about 2 hours so they’ll be firm enough to wrap. Then wrap well or place in an airtight container.
Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before serving. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, but are best if eaten within a month.
You May Also Like:
- Key Lime Pie Cookies from Grandbaby Cakes
- Key Lime Pie Ice Cream from Your Home Based Mom
- Key Lime Pie
- Key Lime Pound Cake
- Meyer Lemon Streusel Bars
- More of the Best Dessert Recipes
Key Lime Pie Bars
Citrus heaven in every bite. Inspired by Martha Stewart.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
- 1/2 cup Key lime juice (may use standard lime juice)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- Whipped cream, Key lime slices, berries to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º. Line 8 inch square baking pan with non-stick foil, if desired. Set aside.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter in small bowl. Press evenly onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 10 minutes, then cool completely.
- Beat together egg yolks and zest on high speed till very thick, about 5 minutes. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix on low speed till combined, then increase speed and mix till thick, about 3 minutes. Add lime juice and mix on low till combined.
- Spread filling over crust and bake till filling is set, about 10 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting and garnishing with whipped cream, lime slices, and/or berries.
Notes
If you cannot find Key limes, standard lime juice is tastier than bottled Key lime juice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1 barAmount Per Serving: Calories: 238Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 138mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 4g
52 Comments on “Key Lime Pie Bars”
These bars taste like we should be in Key West! I couldn’t get Key limes so used fresh squeezed lime juice. Just a bit sweet, however they are delicious and the garnishes make them look very special. I will definitely make them again.
Thanks for letting me know, Darcylynn! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
I used juice of 1 lemon, 2 limes and topped it off with key lime juice from a bottle. Perfect!
Sounds like a delicious combination of citrus, Sue!! Thanks for reporting back 🙂
Hubby absolutely loves this and said he’s pay to eat this. This recipe is so easy and it’s full of flavor and isn’t too sweet. Thanks!!! <3
SO glad they are a hit with your hubby! Thanks so much for reporting back!!
The family loved this! The comments I heard were, “That was so good and not too sweet.” “Hon, that was really, really good.” I guess it’s a keeper. One thing to remember, limes don’t give as much juice as lemons so be sure to have enough. I had to use regular limes and it was still a hit.
Love it, Bella!!! I need to put a note in the blog about juicing limes—good tip.
About 25 years ago, we visited Key West and tried, apparently the best Key Lime pie. Unfortunately, it was so sweet we could hardly taste key limes. I have made versions using sweetened condensed milk and it was too sweet as well. I like that your recipe only has the sweetened condensed milk and no extra sugar. I will definitely try this recipe.
How can anyone snub a creamy key lime dessert? IMO there are very few dessert better. These are just beautiful and I’m sure they are as scrumptious as they look.
This would be a very nice dessert for Easter dinner! i’m ready for spring:@)
delicious dessert and thanks so much for those tips we need them in Florida it’s always so hot!
I love how easy they were to make. Our whole family and guests devoured them. They’re so good!
I adore anything key lime bars. This is a great recipe.
My husband loves key lime pie and I know he would love these too! Can'[t wait to try them
Very nice and beautiful. Perfect for eating and pinning 🙂
REEEfreshing!
Beautiful. YUMmmmmm. x
Well these came just in time for the weekend!
These are so beautiful! Oddly – MY picky eater loves Key Lime so this is on my list to make for his birthday coming up next month!
Liz,
It’s my hubby’s bday Monday and he asked for a key line pie. My friend Seth (Ames) made us a KILLER one once but I don’t have his recipe with me so I went to your site and found this. I might try to make one change that I remember from his recipe(won’t qualify for skinny!) and use Lorna Doones instead of the graham cracker crust. Thanks for this wonderful blog!
Lisa (Amy’s sister)
I love the idea of a Lorna Doones crust! I don’t think any of my desserts qualify as skinny 😉 Hope your hubby likes his bars!
I do too love any lemon and key lime desserts. Heading over to get the recipe. & Yes, please do share your tips. 🙂
I really like key lime pie and I have a bottle of key lime juice from the US that would be perfect for this!
These bars look fantastic Liz! I love anything lemon and key lime so these bars are definitely calling my name! Totally wish I was in your book club – they are so lucky they get to sample all of your amazing food:)
Lizzy,
I’ve never had key lime anything. Something new to try.
I drink lots of water too, about 2 to 3 quarts a day.
Annamaria
Love these bars – though I could eat a plate of key lime bars as easily as I’d eat a whole key lime pie. Yum!
Liz. First, yes, I love these bars as it’s a yolky dessert for macaron lovers. Second, how can anyone lose around you? Your book club must be happy that Bill isn’t keen on some things 😉 Thirdly, great idea on the skinny tips. I’m glad to hear you drink tea. I personally keep trying to like water but, well…
These bars look divine and what a great skinny tip!
Oooh, these look great! I love how much crust there is!!!
I heart you and Kayle, so I was super excited to see this guest post!! These key lime pie bars look insane and ridiculously easy, which I love!
I’m excited to see all your skinny tips! I drink 2 gallons of water a day…yeah…I said gallons. [before people get all crazy about it…I drink less if I don’t work out.]
key lime is one of my favorites. they look delish!
There isn’t a gosh darned thing in the world that I wouldn’t do for a slice of this pie right now!
Thanks for this recipe and for the tip 🙂
I love key limes/limes and they are so perfect in desserts. I was glad to hear that the prices are going back down because they were getting so expensive. I’ll go check out the recipe!
Heading on over to the Cooking Actress to check out this emerald lime perfection =)
BTW Like your intro of skinny tips…Will you include Zumba? It’s sooo much fun =)
I could dig into this one, Liz!
…just got up and got some water after I read your tip 🙂
ela h.
Gray Apron
How I adore lime… and this slice, well, Liz, it sounds exquisite!
My Archie won’t eat any dessert with lemon in it. I think that goes for limes too. It seems such a strange food aversion. Over here, key lime pie is considered very American and a real treat. I know this is something I would absolutely love as I love any dessert that contains limes (or lemons!) xx
I too drink lots of plain hot olong tea! These key lime bars look scrumptious, Liz.
I would love these key lime bars, they look so delicious. I think that it is great that you are starting your series skinny tips. It is hard to stay thin when you are a food blogger. I will look forward to reading your tips. I too love to drink hot tea year round, my favorite is green tea.
I love key lime. SO MUCH. And great tip, I never drink enough water! I hope we can hang out again soon!
These bars look so refreshing and delicious, gorgeous key lime dessert 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
The plating just speaks for itself. I already sense how yummy this dessert is without yet putting it in my mouth. And thanks for the skinny tip, too!
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
My fave! Your cooking actress friend is very pretty…and so natural.
Geez, it’s a little late to tell me I can’t make a whole pie for myself:@) I love key lime and your squares are beautiful, I have no doubt they did not last long!
I love these bars Lizzy!
Look amazing!:)
Very kind to help out this new friend, will check out her blog. And these Key Lime Pie bars look amazing. Who does not love Key Lime (except Bill lol). I can definitely use your skinny tips!
Hahaha to Nance’s comment above 😉 ^ These are absolutely needed here these days, especially with the summertime and swimsuit season creeping up on us! I’ll be heading over to read your post. Cheers for sharing, Liz!
I love all citrus! Even though I’m a lemon freak, lime is a biggie for me (particularly in cocktails!). And Key Lime Pie is my favorite pie. Period. Hmm, I drink plenty of water and hot tea, too, but I’m not skinny. Although I know the reason why. 😉 Off to read your guest post . . .
I really really really need the skinny tips, Liz! With all the food that I eat (and the exercise I don’t do) anything will help! Eating a pan of these gorgeous key lime pie bars wouldn’t help but it’ll be good for my mental health 😉 Heading over to Kayle’s to read the post!
I saw your post On Kayle website.. looks wonderful. That’s good you drink a lot of water. I am trying too but sometimes I feel it was not enough.
Yayyyy!!! Thank you so much Liz, you’re so sweet 🙂
and I agree 100% with the water! That’s my current struggle with Michael-he keeps refilling his gatorade bottles with water (like he’ll drive half then fill it up with water to full so it’s diluted) and says it counts. *sigh*