These decadent Key Lime Bars are ideal for parties or a sweet treat at home. The filling is light and creamy with a bright lime flavor that balances sweet and tart perfectly.
I love the bright, tangy flavor of key lime pie, so I turned that taste into a bar for an easier, portable dessert. Each bite is rich and satisfying without being heavy.
Key Lime Bars are simple to make and serve well for gatherings, showers, tea parties, or a family movie night. They capture all the flavor of classic key lime pie in an easy graham-cracker crust bar.
What’s in this post: Key Lime Bars
- Why we love this recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make Key Lime Bars
- Pro Tips
- Storage
- Can you freeze this recipe?
- Can you use Limes in place of Key Limes?
- More Lime Desserts
- Key Lime Bars Recipe
Why we love this recipe
From the buttery graham cracker crust to the creamy lime filling, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. They’re elegant enough for showers and brunches but easy enough for an everyday dessert. You get the classic key lime flavor in an easy, sliceable form.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- Graham crackers, crushed into crumbs
- Brown sugar
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Salt
For the Key Lime Filling
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Large egg yolks
- Lime zest
- Key lime juice
See the recipe card for exact measurements and full ingredient details.
How to Make Key Lime Bars
- Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2 – Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal and cleanup.
Step 3. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Step 4. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until well mixed.
Step 5. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
Step 6. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until combined.
Step 7. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing until each is incorporated.
Step 8. Stir in the lime zest and key lime juice by hand until evenly combined.
Step 9. Make sure the filling is smooth and well combined. Stir by hand to avoid overmixing.
Step 10. Pour the filling over the crust and spread into an even layer. Bake for about 30–35 minutes, until the center is slightly set but not overcooked. Oven times vary, so watch closely toward the end.
- Step 11. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) before slicing. Chilling makes clean slices—use a sharp knife for best results.
Pro Tips
- Portion size – These bars are rich, so cutting smaller portions is satisfying and keeps servings reasonable.
- Mix gently – Add egg yolks one at a time and avoid overmixing the filling to keep the texture smooth.
- Crush evenly – Use a food processor for fine graham cracker crumbs, or a rolling pin and a sturdy bag.
- Use a mixer – A hand or stand mixer makes the cream cheese mixture smooth; scrape the bowl sides to combine everything.
- Room temperature ingredients – Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for a lump-free filling.
- Line the pan – Lining with parchment paper or foil makes removing and slicing the bars easier.
- Garnish – Top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Storage
Store the chilled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to five days when properly stored.
Can you freeze this recipe?
Yes. Wrap bars tightly in wax paper and then foil or plastic wrap to protect against freezer burn. Store in the back of the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for about two hours before serving, or refrigerate overnight for best texture.
Can you use Limes in place of Key Limes?
Yes, you can substitute regular limes or bottled lime juice if key limes are unavailable. Keep in mind key limes are typically more tart and aromatic, so the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
More Lime Desserts
- Lime Jell-O Poke Cake
- Homemade Lime Popsicles
- Cherry Limeade Cupcakes
- Lemon Lime Popsicles
Give these key lime bars a try, then come back and leave a comment and rating to share how they turned out.
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Key Lime Bars
Ingredients
- 8 full Graham Crackers crushed into crumbs
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 4 Tbsp Butter melted
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- For the Key Lime Filling:
- 2 oz cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 3 Large Egg Yolks
- 1 Tbsp Lime Zest approximately 3 limes
- 1/2 cup Key Lime Juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment or foil.
- Crush the graham crackers in a food processor to make fine crumbs.
- Mix the crust ingredients, then press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until combined.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
- Stir in the lime zest and key lime juice by hand.
- Spread the filling evenly over the crust.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until set and slightly firm.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) before cutting into bars.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
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