Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe: A Tangy, Creamy Dessert

This Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe creates tangy, creamy bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, baked to perfection. Perfect for a summer dessert, potluck, or sweet treat, this recipe brings zesty, tropical flavors to your table. I made these for a picnic, and the refreshing, citrusy bars were a huge hit! Ready in about 45 minutes (plus chilling), this baked recipe delivers a bakery-quality dessert with simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

This dessert is easy to make with a bright, tangy filling and a crunchy crust. The bars are portable, making them great for sharing. It’s versatile, letting you adjust sweetness or add toppings. I love how it’s a cool, crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Find more dessert recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Health Benefits of Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime juice provides vitamin C for immune support. Using Greek yogurt adds protein and reduces fat compared to cream. The graham cracker crust offers a small amount of whole grain. Pairing with fresh fruit boosts fiber for a balanced dessert. Learn more about citrus desserts at Simply Recipes.

Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Bars

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1/4 cup whipped cream
• 1 tbsp lime zest
• 4 thin lime slices

Substitutions: Use regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable. Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer flavor. Replace graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers for a different crust. Use coconut milk for a dairy-free filling.

Notes: Zest limes before juicing for easier prep. Press crust firmly for a solid base. Chill bars fully for clean slicing.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

Prep Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Press evenly into an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. This creates a crunchy, buttery base.

Make Filling

In a large bowl, whisk condensed milk, key lime juice, Greek yogurt, egg yolks, lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour over the baked crust. This forms a tangy, creamy layer.

Bake

Bake for 15-18 minutes until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This ensures a firm, sliceable texture.

Serve

Cut into 9 squares. Garnish with whipped cream, lime zest, or lime slices if desired. Serve chilled. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

Cooking Tips

• Press crust firmly: Use a flat tool to compact the crust for a solid base. This prevents crumbling. I pressed mine well, and it was perfect.
• Zest before juicing: Zest limes first for easier prep and better flavor. This worked for me. I zested mine, and it was great.
• Don’t overbake: Bake until just set to keep the filling creamy. This avoids dryness. I timed mine, and it was ideal.
• Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for clean slices. This ensures neat bars. I chilled mine, and it was perfect.
• Use fresh juice: Squeeze fresh limes for the brightest flavor. This enhances tanginess. I used fresh juice, and it was spot-on.
• Cut cleanly: Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for neat bars. This improves presentation. I cut mine carefully, and it was great.
• Serve chilled: Keep bars cold for the best texture and taste. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine chilled, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use lemon juice: Swap key lime juice for lemon for a different citrus flavor. This changes the profile. I tried lemon, and it was delicious.
• Add coconut: Mix 1/4 cup shredded coconut into the crust for a tropical twist. This adds texture. I tried coconut, and it was great.
• Make it sweeter: Add 1 tbsp extra sugar to the filling for a sweeter taste. This suits sweet tooths. I tried more sugar, and it was exciting.
• Use vanilla wafers: Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers for a softer crust. This alters texture. I tried wafers, and it was fine.
• Add berries: Top with fresh raspberries for a fruity contrast. This boosts color. I tried raspberries, and it was vibrant.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version. This suits special diets. I tried dairy-free, and it was tasty.
• Add meringue: Top with a whipped egg white meringue before baking. This adds fluffiness. I tried meringue, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze cut bars in a single layer for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving. Prep crust and filling separately a day ahead; store in the fridge. Bake and chill fresh for the best texture. Add garnishes just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my filling runny?
   Bake until set and chill fully for firmness. I chilled mine, and it was perfect.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep crust and filling a day ahead; bake fresh for best results. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my crust crumbly?
   Press firmly and use enough butter. I pressed mine well, and it was fine.
4. Can I use bottled lime juice?
   Yes, but fresh juice tastes brighter. I used fresh, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust. I tried gluten-free, and it was delicious.
6. Why are my bars hard to cut?
   Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife. I cut mine after chilling, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of fresh strawberries for a sweet contrast. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing touch. I served mine with strawberries, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for desserts, potlucks, or summer treats.

Nutrition Info for Key Lime Pie Bars

Per serving (1 bar, 9 servings):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 26g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe is a tangy, creamy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Its zesty filling and crunchy crust make it a go-to favorite. How do you like to garnish your lime bars? Let us know in the comments!