Key Lime Pie Bars (Printable)

Tangy, creamy bars with buttery graham cracker crust and luscious key lime filling. Easy to make and perfectly refreshing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Filling

04 - 4 large egg yolks
05 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
06 - 1/2 cup key lime juice
07 - 1 tablespoon key lime zest

→ Topping

08 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
09 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
10 - Zest of 1 key lime

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Whisk in key lime juice and zest until fully combined.
05 - Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top.
06 - Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
07 - Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
08 - For the optional topping, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over chilled bars and sprinkle with key lime zest before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The texture is somewhere between a cheesecake and a custard, which somehow makes it feel fancy enough for dinner parties but casual enough for Tuesday nights
  • They actually get better after sitting in the fridge overnight, so you can make them ahead and feel ridiculously prepared
02 -
  • The filling continues to cook as it cools, so pulling it out while slightly jiggly is not underbaking, it is actually perfect technique
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly, especially the condensed milk which can be stubborn when cold
03 -
  • A splash of vanilla extract in the crust adds a warm background note that balances the bright lime
  • If the filling bubbles up while baking, do not panic, it settles beautifully as it cools

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