Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Dessert slices with a pale green filling and crumbly base, ready to serve.

Key Lime Pie Bars

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Bright, tangy Key Lime Pie Bars layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with whipped cream and fresh lime zest. A refreshing, portable dessert perfect for any occasion.
12 Servings

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups 180g graham cracker crumbs (approximately 12 full sheets)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

For the Filling:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 2 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup key lime juice preferably Nellie and Joe’s brand
  • Zest of 2 regular limes or 4 key limes

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • Additional lime zest for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Pan:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray with cooking spray and set aside.

Prepare the Crust:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until fully incorporated. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C), and allow the crust to cool slightly.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the egg yolks and continue beating until combined. Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and lime zest until the filling is fully blended and smooth.

Assemble and Bake:

  1. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours or until fully chilled and set.

Prepare the Whipped Topping:

  1. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar on low speed until the mixture begins to thicken. Increase to medium-high speed and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

Finish and Serve:

  1. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled bars. Garnish with additional lime zest. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into squares with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges. Serve chilled.

Notes

To make these Key Lime Pie Bars gluten-free, simply substitute the graham crackers with a certified gluten-free graham cracker alternative. Ensure all other ingredients, such as sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese, are verified gluten-free as well.
Bitty