Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe: A Tropical Sweet Treat

Summers call for refreshing desserts that transport you straight to tropical bliss, and these zesty key lime pie bars burst with tangy sunshine.

Creamy, smooth, and perfectly balanced, this dessert captures the essence of Florida’s favorite citrus treat.

Sweet graham cracker crusts create a delightful foundation for the luscious key lime filling that dances across your palate.

Each bite promises a cool, creamy escape from the heat, with bright lime notes that awaken your taste buds.

The silky texture and vibrant flavor make these bars an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

You’ll fall in love with how simple yet spectacular this dessert can be.

Let’s find out this recipe and let the summer flavors whisk you away to a beachside paradise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 28 minutes

Total Time: 48 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 10

Key Lime Pie Bars Ingredient Essentials You’ll Need

• Graham Crackers, Sugar, Salt: Create a crispy, slightly sweet foundation with a delightful crunch and balanced flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients, adding richness and helping them stick together perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy base that gives the bars their luxurious texture and depth of flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creates a silky smooth consistency that helps the filling set beautifully.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute richness, help thicken the filling, and create a luscious, custard-like texture.

• Lime Zest, Key Lime Juice: Deliver bright, zesty citrus notes that define the classic key lime pie flavor, bringing a refreshing tanginess to the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the other flavors, adding a subtle depth and warmth to the pie bars.

Tools and Bakeware to Prepare Key Lime Pie Squares

• Food Processor or Rolling Pin: Crush graham crackers into fine, even crumbs for the perfect crust base.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: Essential for creating uniform bars with even thickness.
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: Line the pan for easy removal and clean cutting.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Mix crust ingredients and prepare creamy filling smoothly.
• Mixer or Whisk: Beat cream cheese and blend ingredients until silky and well-combined.
• Sharp Knife: Cut chilled bars into clean, precise squares for serving.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.

Easy-to-Follow Directions for Baking Key Lime Bars

• Crust Foundation A buttery base crafted from crushed graham crackers that provides a delightful crunch beneath the silky filling.

Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating an even layer that will support the luscious topping.

• Creamy Filling Preparation A smooth blend of tangy citrus and rich dairy that transforms simple ingredients into a magical dessert experience.

Whip cream cheese until it becomes wonderfully soft and cloud-like, gradually incorporating the sweet condensed milk to create a velvety texture.

• Zesty Flavor Boost Bright lime essence that brings a burst of tropical sunshine to your dessert.

Gently fold in fresh lime zest and juice, allowing the citrusy notes to dance through the creamy mixture and awaken your taste buds.

• Baking Magic The transformative moment where individual ingredients become a cohesive, mouthwatering treat.

Bake until the filling sets with a gentle wobble, creating a perfect balance between firm and creamy textures.

• Chilling and Serving Patience that rewards you with a perfectly set, incredibly delicious dessert.

Refrigerate until completely cool, then slice into elegant bars that showcase the beautiful layers and promise of deliciousness.

Tips to Achieve That Perfect Tart and Creamy Balance

• Freeze graham cracker crust for 15 minutes before baking to create an extra crispy base that won't crumble when slicing bars.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like Meyer lemon or blood orange to add unique flavor complexity to the traditional recipe.
• Prepare these bars up to three days in advance, ensuring the filling sets perfectly and flavors develop more intensely in the refrigerator.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth filling that spreads effortlessly.
• Top bars with fresh whipped cream, candied lime slices, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an elegant restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests instantly.

Presentation Tips for Your Zesty Lime Bars

• Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack these tangy key lime pie bars in a cool container for outdoor gatherings, ensuring they stay chilled and delightful during park or beach adventures.
• Brunch Centerpiece Delight: Arrange bars beautifully on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh mint leaves or thin lime slices, creating an elegant dessert display that wows brunch guests.
• Tropical Party Sensation: Serve alongside coconut-based beverages or garnish with toasted coconut flakes to enhance the tropical flavor profile and create a festive, beach-inspired dessert experience.
• Individual Portion Charm: Cut bars into smaller bite-sized squares for easy finger-food style serving during cocktail parties or casual get-togethers, making them convenient and irresistible.

Refrigerating and Storing Leftover Lime Treats

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful key lime pie bars in an airtight container, keeping them perfectly chilled at the back of your refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness and prevent unwanted flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. These treats can stay frozen for up to 3 months, providing a quick dessert option whenever sweet cravings strike.
• Slice and Serve Tip: Cut bars when completely cooled to ensure clean, crisp edges. Use a sharp knife wiped with hot water between each slice for professional-looking presentation that will impress family and friends.
• Room Temperature Caution: Keep these creamy bars refrigerated at all times due to their delicate dairy ingredients. Never leave them out for more than 2 hours to prevent potential bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards.

Creamy Key Lime Pie Bars

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Creamy key lime pie bars blend tangy citrus with a buttery graham cracker crust for a refreshing dessert. Rich Florida flavors shine through in each zesty, cool slice that leaves you craving more.

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Ingredients

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• 15 sheets graham crackers
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 6 tbsps (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pinch salt
• 6 oz (170 grams) original cream cheese, room temperature
• 14 oz (397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) key lime juice
• 1 tbsp lime zest
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, then blend with sugar, salt, and melted butter until a cohesive mixture forms.
2. Crust Formation: Press the crumb mixture firmly into a foil-lined 9×9-inch pan, creating a uniform base. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until golden, then cool momentarily.
3. Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating condensed milk to develop a luxurious foundation.
4. Flavor Infusion: Blend egg yolks into the cream cheese mixture, followed by vibrant lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, and vanilla extract until thoroughly integrated.
5. Baking Process: Pour the lime-laden filling over the pre-baked crust, distributing evenly. Return to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for a slight center wobble without browning.
6. Chilling and Setting: Allow bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 2-4 hours to solidify and intensify flavors.
7. Serving Technique: Slice into precise squares using a sharp knife, serving directly from the chilled container and storing any remaining portions in an airtight refrigerator container for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Crumb Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won’t crumble when cutting bars.
• Temperature Control: Avoid overbaking filling by monitoring closely; the center should have a slight wobble to prevent drying out and cracking.
• Lime Juice Freshness: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for vibrant, authentic flavor that distinguishes these bars from store-bought versions.
• Chilling Importance: Allow full chilling time for optimal texture and flavor development, which helps bars set perfectly and enhances taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg