Easy Key Lime Bars

Key lime bars are delicious and incredibly easy to make! You only need 8 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. This key lime bars recipe is ideal if you are a beginner. 

I will give you a step-by-step guide to make your own divine lime bars. You are going to love how simple and effortless they are to make, and I am sure it will become one of your favorite key lime recipes. 

Not in the mood for key lime bars? No problem, try this flavorful No-Bake Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe instead. 

Why This Key Lime Bars Recipe Works:

1. You only need 8 ingredients, and you probably have them around your home already. 
2. These key lime bars have an intense flavor that you can’t get enough of!
3. All you need is 10 minutes of prep time when you make these lime bars. 
4. Key lime squares are sure to please a crowd. Perfect for all events like dinner parties and barbecues. 
5. This key lime bars recipe tastes amazing when they are topped with meringue or whipped topping. 

How To Make Key Lime Bars 

FIRST STEP: Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F.

SECOND STEP: Line a 10×7 or 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper with enough overhang on the sides. Set aside.

THIRD STEP: In a large mixing bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt just until combined.

TIP: The easiest way to get graham crackers crumbs is by processing the crackers in a food processor. Alternatively, you can place them in a zip top bag and smash them with a rolling pin.

FOURTH STEP: Transfer to the prepared baking pan and press the crumbs with the back of a measuring cup into the bottom of the pan evenly.

FIFTH STEP: Bake for about 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

SIXTH STEP: While the crust is baking, mix condensed milk and eggs until combined.

SEVENTH STEP: Add lime juice and zest and stir to combine.

EIGHTH STEP: Pour filling for the key lime pie bars on top of the prebaked crust.

NINTH STEP: Bake for about 15 minutes until filling is set.

TENTH STEP: Let cool to room temperature then transfer the lime bars to the fridge and chill at least 3 hours.

ELEVENTH STEP: Top with meringue or whipped cream before serving.

BAKER’S TIPS

• Take special care not to overbeat the eggs and milk mixture. It will incorporate a lot of air bubbles, so when they are just combined, that is good. 
• After baking the key lime bars, they need to set up. Make sure you let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving. 

Substitutions

Can I Substitute Lime Juice For Key Lime Juice?

Yes, if for some reason you do not have access to fresh key limes to make juice, or you can’t find any key limes at the market you can make a substitution. You would need to use 2 parts lime juice and 1 part lemon juice. For these easy key lime bars, you would need to use 1/2 cup (118ml) lime juice and 1/4 cup (59ml) lemon juice. 

How To Add In Additional Flavors To The Easy Key Lime Bars

Adding additional flavors to the key lime pie bars is easy. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Add 1/2 cup crushed pecans (87g) to the crust. Simply put them in the food processor until they are finely chopped. 
• Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon to the crust mixture. It adds a nice spicy element to the easy key lime bars. 
• Add 2 ounces (56g) of cream cheese to the filling mixture. This will make the key lime squares even creamier and fuller. 

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

What Is The Difference Between A Key Lime And A Lime?

When you are making lime desserts, you may be asking yourself what the difference is between lime and key lime. Looking at fresh key limes versus fresh lime will show you that they are obviously different in appearance.

Key limes are typically more yellowish color, and the skin is thinner. Regular limes have very thick skin and are that bright green color you customarily see. 

How Do You Store Key Limes?

It’s best to store key limes in a loosely fitted plastic bag in the fridge. Then whenever you want to make one of this delectable key lime bars recipe, you will be good to go. They typically will last anywhere from 1-2 weeks depending on how ripe they were when you brought them home. 

If you notice they have become extra soft to the touch, have mold or seem to be shriveled up then it’s time to throw them out. 

How Long Does Key Lime Squares Last And How To Store Them?

These easy key lime bars will need to be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. You can use a glass or plastic container, but I prefer glass because it’s easier to clean up and doesn’t hold onto food odors. This key lime bars recipe will last 2-3 days in the fridge. 

If you notice that the lime bars have become dried out, overly wet, or mold then they have gone bad and aren’t edible any longer. 

Can Key Lime Bars With Meringue Be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze key lime bars with meringue. The best way is to flash freeze them, then wrap them in plastic wrap. After they are wrapped in plastic wrap, then transport them to an airtight container.

Simply grab out what you need for a quick and easy snack. This is one of my favorite key lime recipes because they make amazing snacks!

When ready to serve the key lime squares place them in the fridge overnight, and they will be prepared to devour the next day. 

If you make this Key Lime Bars recipe, leave a comment, rate it, and tag a photo #alsothecrumbsplease on Instagram! Would love to see your snap!

Craving More Delicious Bar Recipes

• Apple Pecan Bars
• Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars
• Orange Curd Bars
• Best Lemon Bars

5 from 1 vote

Print

Easy Key Lime Bars

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Chill Time

3 hrs

Total Time

3 hrs 35 mins

 

Key lime bars are delicious and incredibly easy to make! You only need 8 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. This key lime bars recipe is ideal if you are a beginner. 

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy key lime bars, key lime bars, key lime bars recipe

Servings: 16 bars

Calories: 192 kcal

Author: Sabine Venier

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (7oz / 200g)
• 6 tbsp butter, melted (70g)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the filling:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14oz / 400g)
• 4 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup fresh key lime juice (180ml)
• 1 tbsp key lime zest

OPTIONAL: top with meringue or whipped cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x7 or 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper with enough overhang on the sides. Set aside.

2. Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt just until combined. Transfer to the prepared baking pan and press the crumbs with the back of a measuring cup into the bottom of the pan evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

3. Make the filling: While the crust is baking, mix condensed milk and eggs until combined. Add lime juice and zest and stir to combine. Pour on top of the prebaked crust. Bake for about 15 minutes until filling is set. Let cool to room temperature then transfer to the fridge and chill at least 3 hours. 

4. Top with meringue or whipped cream before serving. Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge.

Recipe Video

Notes

SUBSTITUTIONS

 

Can I Substitute Lime Juice For Key Lime Juice?

Yes, if for some reason you do not have access to fresh key limes to make juice, or you can't find any key limes at the market you can make a substitution. You would need to use 2 parts lime juice and 1 part lemon juice. For these easy key lime bars, you would need to use 1/2 cup (118ml) lime juice and 1/4 cup (59ml) lemon juice. 

 

How To Add In Additional Flavors To The Easy Key Lime Bars

Adding additional flavors to the key lime pie bars is easy. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Add 1/2 cup crushed pecans (87g) to the crust. Simply put them in the food processor until they are finely chopped. 
• Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon to the crust mixture. It adds a nice spicy element to the easy key lime bars. 
• Add 2 ounces (56g) of cream cheese to the filling mixture. This will make the key lime squares even creamier and fuller. 

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Take special care not to overbeat the eggs and milk mixture. It will incorporate a lot of air bubbles, so when they are just combined, that is good. 
• After baking the key lime bars with meringue, they need to set up. Make sure you let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving. 

Nutrition Facts

Easy Key Lime Bars

Amount Per Serving

Calories 192 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 8g 12%

Saturated Fat 4g 20%

Cholesterol 68mg 23%

Sodium 178mg 7%

Potassium 133mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 25g 8%

Sugars 19g

Protein 3g 6%

Vitamin A 5.4%

Vitamin C 4.9%

Calcium 9%

Iron 3.5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.