Key Lime Bars

Key lime bars are creamy, tart dessert squares made with key lime juice, a simple graham cracker crust and a whipped cream topping—they’re easy, cool and tasty.

Also try key lime lush, lime pineapple agua fresca, and perhaps these fun key lime pie rum cream jello pudding shots too!

Easy Key Lime Bars Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Graham cracker crumbs: To form the sweet, buttery crust that holds everything together.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the whipped topping.
Melted butter: To bind the crumbs into a rich, golden base. You can use salted butter or unsalted butter, whichever you have on hand.
Egg yolks: These create a smooth, rich filling when mixed with the lime and milk.
Lime zest: Adds a fresh burst of citrus flavor and aroma and takes the bold lime flavor to new heights.
Sweetened condensed milk: Gives the key lime filling its creamy texture and sweet base.
Key lime juice: Brings the signature tangy bite that makes these bars stand out. If the key lime bottled juice isn’t available in your area, grab bottled regular lime juice, preferably the fresh kind in the produce department. If fresh squeezed lime juice is preferred, you’ll need a lot of key or regular limes.
Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks for the creamy topping.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the whipped cream with warmth and flavor.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the crust: Combine graham crumbs, sugar and butter, then press the buttery fine crumbs into a lined square baking pan. Bake until set.
Mix the key lime pie filling: Beat egg yolks and zest until thick, then add sweetened condensed milk and lime juice.
Bake the bars: Pour filling over the crust in the prepared baking dish and bake again until just set.
Cool and chill: Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.
Whip the topping: Beat cream, sugar and vanilla until peaks form, then spread this mixture on top.
Chill again and serve: Garnish with key lime zest, slice with a sharp knife, and enjoy chilled.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
Key lime juice: If you can’t find key limes (and you’re not planning a trip to the Florida Keys anytime soon!) bottled key lime juice is a solid substitute.
Graham crackers: Substitute digestive biscuits or Nilla wafers for a slightly different crust texture.
Whipped cream topping: For a more dramatic, bakery-style finish, top with meringue instead of whipped cream. Another option is a cream cheese and Greek yogurt or sour cream frosting if you want more of a tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Begin your meal with shaved asparagus and fennel salad.
Main dishes: Enjoy Tuscan marry me salmon and garlic mashed potatoes or Swiss steak with pan fried broccoli and sweet potato wedges.
Desserts: Finish off with a tasty key lime bar.

How to Store Lime Bars

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for an hour or so.