Key Lime Pie Bars

Name: Key Lime Pie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 6 tablespoons melted butter; 4 large egg yolks; 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest; 1/2 cup key lime juice; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

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Alright friends, let’s talk about Key Lime Pie Bars—the tangy, creamy, totally irresistible dessert you didn’t know you needed this summer. Imagine all the punchy citrus flavor of a key lime pie, but in easy-to-slice, party-perfect squares that don’t require a fork (or a plate if you’re feeling wild). These bars are chilled, refreshing, and just the thing for BBQs, pool parties, or “I-just-want-something-sweet-but-don’t-want-to-bake-a-whole-pie” kind of days.

And don’t worry—if you’ve never zested a lime in your life, I’ve got you. This is one of those no-fuss desserts that looks fancy but comes together with simple ingredients and easy steps. Trust me, even if you’re running low on time or patience (hi, fellow parents and busy bees), these bars will be your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need
Step-by-Step: How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars
Tips for Success
Serving Suggestions
FAQ – Let’s Answer Your Burning Questions
Printable Recipe Card
Final Thoughts: It’s Lime O’Clock, Baby

Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Pie Bars

Let me break it down real quick:

Cold, creamy texture that’s perfect for hot days
Three dreamy layers: buttery cookie crust, creamy lime filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping
Make-ahead friendly – pop ‘em in the fridge or freezer, and they’ll be ready when you are
No fork needed – slice and serve right outta the pan
Easier than traditional pie, but with all the zesty goodness
Crowd-pleaser – even citrus skeptics will sneak a second square

Need a non-citrus option on the dessert table? Check out our Strawberry Icebox Cake – another chilled dessert winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Flat lay of fresh key lime pie ingredients including limes, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, and graham cracker crumbs on a marble surface.

1 ½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs (or use graham cracker crust for a classic twist)
¼ cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter

Lime Filling:

4 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon fresh lime zest
½ cup key lime juice (regular limes work too)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Pro Tip: Always go with fresh lime juice if you can. Bottled stuff works in a pinch, but fresh gives you that real citrus punch.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

This is a one-pan dessert miracle. We’re layering, baking, chilling, and enjoying. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-step process for making key lime pie bars including crust preparation, mixing filling, and baking stages.

Step 1: Make the Crust

Grab your food processor (or a zip-top bag and rolling pin if you’re old-school). Crush the vanilla wafers into crumbs that look like sandy beach vibes. Add the brown sugar and melted butter, then mix until the texture feels like damp sand.

Line your 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper (with some overhang for easy lifting later), and press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom. Use a measuring cup to press it down flat and tight.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Slide the crust into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 13–15 minutes. It should look slightly golden and smell like cookie heaven.

Let it cool on the counter for 30 minutes. This gives the crust time to set before you add the filling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks and lime zest. Beat them with a hand mixer for 4–5 minutes. It’ll get thick and pale—this helps the texture stay creamy and rich.

Add the sweetened condensed milk and lime juice, and whisk until smooth and silky.

Step 4: Bake the Filling

Pour the filling right onto that cooled crust. Spread it out evenly with an offset spatula, and pop it back in the oven for 15–17 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center might still jiggle a little. That’s the sweet spot.

Cool it on the counter again, then stick it in the fridge for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

Just before serving, grab a clean bowl and beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form. You’re looking for that luscious, cloud-like texture.

Spread it evenly over the chilled bars. You can swirl it with a spoon or keep it neat with your offset spatula.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Here’s where the magic happens. Use a hot knife (just run it under hot water and wipe clean between cuts) to get super clean dessert bar squares.

Serve these babies cold, maybe with a little lime zest on top or a lime wedge if you’re feeling fancy. Forks optional.

Tips for Success

Use fresh lime juice – seriously, it makes a difference.
Chill before slicing – bars need that fridge time to set up.
Hot knife trick – cuts like a dream.
Don’t rush the crust – it needs to cool so the filling doesn’t go soggy.
Use parchment – you’ll thank yourself later when lifting them out.

For another single-serve creamy treat, check out our Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars straight from the fridge at summer parties, baby showers, or beachy backyard hangouts.
Want to get fancy? Top with extra whipped cream, a curl of lime zest, or a sprinkle of crushed cookies.
Going to a potluck? These make perfect individual dessert squares – no utensils needed.
Planning ahead? Freeze them! Just thaw for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Throwing a summer bash? Add our Star-Spangled Brownies for a festive red-white-and-blue table.

FAQ – Let’s Answer Your Burning Questions

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Totally. Key limes have a more intense flavor, but regular limes work just fine—and they’re way easier to find.

Can I make these dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream for the topping. Texture may vary, but it’ll still be tasty.

Do these need to be baked?

Yes—but if you’re craving a no-bake citrus dessert, try our No-Bake Lemon Blueberry Dessert.

Can I substitute the vanilla wafers?

Yup—graham crackers are a classic option. Just swap them in 1:1.

How long do these last?

Keep them covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to a month.

Printable Recipe Card

Close-up of key lime pie bars with pale green filling, thick whipped topping, and lime zest garnish on a parchment-lined tray.

Collage showing key lime pie bars with whipped topping and lime zest, with recipe name and branding text overlay.

Need a holiday-inspired dessert idea? Check out these Valentine’s Day Cookies or festive Christmas Cookie Bars.

Final Thoughts: It’s Lime O’Clock, Baby

So there you have it—Key Lime Pie Bars that are simple, bright, and way easier than making a full pie. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or hoarding the tray for yourself (no judgment), these citrusy squares deliver.

And the best part? You didn’t need a rolling pin, pie weights, or any fancy gear. Just some pantry basics, a splash of lime, and a whole lotta summer flavor.

Looking for another fruity, fun dessert to make with the kids? Try our Fruty Brownie Dessert Pizza next—it’s a blast.

Now go zest those limes. Your dessert table deserves this.

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Key Lime Pie Bars

Table of contents

Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Pie Bars