Key Lime Pie Bars

My roommate in college brought these back from a trip to Florida and I completely understood the obsession after one bite. Something about that impossibly bright green filling against the golden crust made them disappear from our shared fridge faster than anything else we baked. Now I make them whenever I need an instant vacation.

I brought these to a potluck last summer and watched three different people ask for the recipe before even trying them. The way they cut into such neat little squares makes people think you put in way more effort than you actually did.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: Freshly crushed gives the best texture but store bought works perfectly fine
• Unsalted butter: Melt it completely so every crumb gets coated evenly
• Egg yolks: Room temperature yolks whisk up faster and incorporate more smoothly
• Sweetened condensed milk: Do not use evaporated milk or the filling will never set properly
• Key lime juice: Fresh juice has more zing but bottled works when fresh limes are unavailable
• Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop without tasting salty

Instructions

Get everything ready:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper letting the edges hang over like handles

Make the crust:

Mix the graham cracker crumbs sugar and melted butter until it feels like wet sand then press it firmly into the bottom of your pan

Bake the crust:

Slide it into the oven for about 10 minutes until it smells toasty and looks lightly golden

Whisk the yolks:

Beat those egg yolks by themselves until they turn thicker and pale yellow about one minute

Add the filling ingredients:

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk key lime juice lime zest and salt then whisk until everything is completely smooth

Assemble and bake:

Pour the bright filling over your warm crust and bake for 15 to 17 minutes until the center is set but still has a little jiggle

Chill completely:

Let the bars cool to room temperature then refrigerate for at least 2 hours though 3 or 4 is even better

Cut and serve:

Use those parchment paper handles to lift the whole thing out then slice into 16 perfect squares

Save

My aunt claimed she could taste the difference between key lime and regular lime juice blindfolded. I finally tested her at a family reunion and she was right every single time.

Making Them Ahead

These bars actually improve after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes creamier. I often make them the day before a party and store them in the pan then cut just before serving.

Getting The Perfect Cut

Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between every few slices for the cleanest edges. A sharp knife is essential because the crust can be crumbly. Chilling for the full recommended time makes this step so much easier.

Serving Ideas

A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top makes these feel extra special. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of sea salt instead of sweet garnish for a sweet salty combination that people cannot stop talking about.

• Extra lime zest adds a beautiful pop of green color
• Thin lime slices look impressive and tell people exactly what flavor to expect
• A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them photo ready

Save

These bars have become my go to for summer gatherings and winter dinner parties alike. Something about that bright citrus flavor just makes people smile.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of crust is used for these bars?

A buttery graham cracker crust serves as the base, offering a crisp and slightly sweet foundation.

→ Can I substitute fresh lime juice with bottled?

Yes, fresh key lime juice is preferred for brightness, but bottled lime juice works well if fresh isn’t available.

→ How long should the bars chill before serving?

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 3–4 hours, to allow the filling to set properly.

→ Are these bars suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, the ingredients used comply with vegetarian standards, making them suitable for vegetarians.

→ Can I make a gluten-free version?

Use gluten-free graham crackers to create a gluten-free crust while maintaining the same delicious flavor.

→ What garnish options complement these bars?

Whipped cream and extra lime zest or thin lime slices enhance the flavor and appearance beautifully.