Key Lime Pie Bars
Key Lime Pie Bars are a fresh, creamy twist on the classic pie, but so much easier to slice and serve. They’re simple to make, chill beautifully, and bring just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Pies can be problematic for some people but bars? They feel doable, right?
The bars taste bright and refreshing thanks to the key lime juice. With a buttery cookie crust and the smooth, citrusy filling, they’re perfect for warm weather gatherings or whenever you want a cool dessert. Every bite is smooth, sweet, and just tart enough to keep you coming back for more.
What Even Are Key Limes?
Key limes are a small variety of lime known for their strong aroma and bright flavor. They’re usually smaller than regular Persian limes, with thin skins and more seeds. The juice is a little more tart and slightly floral, which is why it’s often used in classic desserts like key lime pie. They’re traditionally grown in tropical climates, especially in Florida and parts of the Caribbean.
If need be, you can sub in regular limes. Use the same amount of juice and zest, and try to use fresh limes for the best flavor. If you can, choose ones that are fragrant and thin-skinned, they’ll give you the closest result to key limes.
What You Need To Make Key Lime Bars
Planning ahead helps make this recipe come together fast and easy. Make sure to have everything ready so you can mix, bake, and chill without extra trips to the store. Need a grocery list and meal planner in one?? Grab my FREEBIE here. It’s hand drawn by an artist I hired to design it for me, and you! To use it download it, print it off, make copies, and use it as needed.
- vanilla wafer cookies
- unsalted butter
- brown sugar
- cream cheese
- sweetened condensed milk
- lime zest
- egg yolks
- lime juice
- heavy cream
- powdered sugar
You will also need:
- 8×8 baking pan
- parchment paper
- mixer, stand mixer or handheld works fine here
Changes You Can Make
You can switch up the crust by using graham crackers or even gingersnaps for a spicy twist. But then you can also go mellow with a simple graham cracker crust.
Top with toasted coconut or a drizzle of white chocolate if you like. If you prefer, skip the whipped cream and serve them plain or with a dollop on the side.
Trade in the key limes for regular limes if that’s what you have. OR try grapefruit, lemons, or oranges in place of key limes.
How To Store Key Lime Bars
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. The bars stay firm and creamy, and they’re just as good the next day. After a couple days you will start to notice the crust getting soft.
Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies finely ground
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup lime juice
Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Extra lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C)
- Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper
- Mix ground cookies, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl
- Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish
- Bake crust for 8–10 minutes then let cool
- In a new bowl, beat cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, egg yolks, and lime juice until smooth
- Pour filling over crust and smooth the top
- Bake 20–25 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly
- Cool to room temperature then chill in fridge for at least 2 hours
- In a bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks
- Spread whipped cream over cooled bars
- Garnish with extra lime zest
- Slice into 16 bars and serve chilled
