If you’re craving a sunshine-bright treat that’s just the right balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet, you’ll fall head over heels for these Easy Key Lime Pie Bars. This recipe captures all the refreshing zing of classic key lime pie but in a fuss-free, shareable bar form. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simply brightening up your weeknight, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that come together with minimal effort—but deliver maximum flavor.

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Easy Key Lime Pie Bars is how straightforward the ingredient list is—each item has a clear purpose, working together to create those signature layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a tip for each:

Graham cracker crumbs: The essential base for any pie bar, these crumbs provide a sweet, crunchy crust that soaks up just enough filling to stay crisp but tender.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust, balancing the tang of the filling.
Unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the crumb crust and gives it a rich flavor—make sure it’s fully melted for easy mixing.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is the backbone of the creamy filling; it brings both sweetness and a luscious texture.
Sour cream: Adds a gentle tang and helps the filling set up perfectly soft yet sliceable.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): The star ingredient, lending that unmistakable citrusy zing—use fresh if possible for the brightest flavor.
Lime zest: Infuses the bars with an extra punch of lime aroma and flavor; don’t skip it if you love a bold citrus bite.
Whipped cream (optional): For a finishing touch, a dollop of whipped cream adds a cool contrast to the tangy filling.
Extra lime zest for garnish (optional): A sprinkle on top gives each bar a pop of color and a hint of extra freshness.

How to Make Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and look like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure you reach all the corners. This crust will provide the perfect sturdy-but-tender base for your Easy Key Lime Pie Bars.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Place the pan in the oven and bake the graham cracker crust for 10 minutes. This quick bake helps set the crust so it holds together when you cut the bars later. Once the crust is lightly golden and smells toasty, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you make the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, key lime juice, and lime zest until the mixture is completely smooth and fully combined. If you want a more intense lime flavor, feel free to add a touch more zest here—trust me, it’s worth it! The filling should be creamy and fragrant, with a pale green hue that hints at the citrus punch inside.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the luscious lime filling over the slightly cooled crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly all the way to the edges. Pop the pan back in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, just until the filling is set around the edges but still has a gentle jiggle in the center. This ensures the bars will be silky smooth.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool at room temperature. Once they’re no longer warm, transfer the pan to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you’re prepping ahead). This chilling step is crucial for achieving clean slices and that classic key lime pie texture in bar form.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once fully chilled, use a sharp knife to cut your Easy Key Lime Pie Bars into neat squares or rectangles. Top each bar with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest, if you like. Get ready for a little slice of sunshine in every bite!

How to Serve Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect presentation, finish each bar with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest. You can also add thin slices of lime or candied lime peel for extra flair—just a little something to make your Easy Key Lime Pie Bars look as special as they taste.

Side Dishes

These bars are bright and rich, so they pair beautifully with light sides. Try serving alongside a fresh fruit salad, some crisp berries, or even a scoop of coconut sorbet. The contrast in textures and flavors will make your dessert table pop!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a tiered dessert tray. Alternatively, serve each bar in an individual cupcake liner for easy grab-and-go treats. If you’re feeling extra festive, drizzle with a little white chocolate or top with edible flowers for a truly show-stopping display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as they chill, making each bite even more irresistible!

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead or save some for later, you can freeze the bars! Once chilled and sliced, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed cold, there’s usually no need to reheat. If you prefer them slightly less chill, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Absolutely! Regular (Persian) limes work well and are often easier to find. The flavor will be slightly different—less floral and more straightforwardly tart—but still delicious in your Easy Key Lime Pie Bars.

What’s the best way to get a neat slice?

For clean, bakery-worthy bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing also helps maintain those perfect edges.

Is it okay to use bottled key lime juice?

Yes! Bottled key lime juice is a great time-saver and still delivers bright flavor. Just make sure to choose a brand with 100% juice and no added sweeteners or artificial flavors.

Can I make Easy Key Lime Pie Bars gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with your favorite gluten-free graham crackers or cookies. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The filling should look set around the edges but still have a gentle wobble in the center. It will firm up as it cools and chills, so don’t overbake—this keeps the texture creamy and dreamy!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly cheerful about a batch of Easy Key Lime Pie Bars—every bite is a bright, creamy burst of summer. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. Gather your ingredients and give these bars a try—they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone lucky enough to snag a piece!

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes plus at least 2 hours chilling time
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these easy-to-make Key Lime Pie Bars that perfectly balance tangy lime flavor with a sweet, creamy filling on a buttery graham cracker crust. This refreshing dessert is ideal for summer gatherings and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 tablespoon lime zest

For Garnish (optional)

Whipped cream
Extra lime zest

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly moist. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Once baked, remove it and allow to cool slightly so it firms up but remains warm enough to accept the filling.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, key lime juice, and lime zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy and tangy filling.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The filling should be just set with slightly firm edges, not fully jiggly.
Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Afterward, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled and firm.
Serve: Cut into 12 bars and optionally top each serving with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra lime zest for garnish before serving.

Notes

For a stronger lime flavor, add additional lime zest to the filling mixture.
These bars can be prepared ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For an extra crunchy crust, bake the crust alone for an additional 2 to 3 minutes before adding the filling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American