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Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

creamy key lime pie bars - featured image

These creamy key lime pie bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky, tangy lime filling, perfect for a quick and refreshing homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (about 2025 key limes, or substitute regular lime juice)
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest (freshly grated)
  • Optional: whipped cream or powdered sugar for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Combine crumbs with melted butter and sugar in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly coated and holds together when pressed.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. In a clean bowl, whisk eggs until smooth and frothy (1-2 minutes). Add sweetened condensed milk, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until well combined and silky.
  5. Pour the lime filling over the warm crust, spreading evenly.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the center jiggles slightly when shaken. Avoid overbaking.
  7. Cool bars to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.
  8. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan. Cut into 9 or 12 squares. Top with whipped cream or powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use fresh limes for best flavor and zest for brightness. Room temperature eggs help create a silky filling. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Avoid overbaking the filling; it should jiggle slightly when done. Chill bars thoroughly for easier slicing. Warm knife before slicing for clean cuts. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free condensed milk.

Nutrition

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