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Home » Dessert Recipes

Easy Key Lime Bars

Last updated on August 20, 2022Originally published June 8, 20197 CommentsSabine

Jump to Recipe

Key lime bars are delicious and incredibly easy to make! You only need 8 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. This recipe is ideal if you are a beginner. With an easy step-by-step guide, you will love how simple and effortless they are to make, and I am sure it will become one of your favorite recipes. By the way, have you tried my lemon bars?

sliced key lime bars on parchment paper with meringue and lime slices on top
Jump to:
  • Photo tutorial
  • Expert tips for success
  • Key lime juice substitute
  • Storing
  • Freezing
  • More bar recipes to try
  • Recipe

Photo tutorial

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

mixed graham cracker crust in mixing bowl

Transfer to a paper-lined baking pan and press the crumbs with the back of a measuring cup into the bottom of the pan evenly. Then bake for about 10 minutes and remove from the oven.

graham cracker crust in baking pan

While the crust is baking, mix condensed milk and eggs until combined. Add lime juice and zest and stir to combine.

mixed filling made of key lime, eggs, and condensed milk

Pour the filling on top of the prebaked crust. Then bake, chill, and serve.

unbaked key lime pie in a baking dish ready to bake

Expert tips for success

  • The easiest way to make 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.
  • Do not mix the filling with an electric mixer. It would incorporate a lot of air bubbles into the filling. Just use a whisk.
  • After baking, the filling needs time to set. Let the bars cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours.

Key lime juice substitute

If for some reason you do not have access to fresh key limes you can make a substitution. You would need to use 2 parts regular lime juice and 1 part lemon juice. So, you would need to use ½ cup (118ml) lime juice and ¼ cup (59ml) lemon juice.

half dozen lime bars on a green counter with one bar having one bite taken out

Storing

They 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. They will last 2-3 days in the fridge. If you notice that they have become dried out, overly wet, or mold then they have gone bad and aren't edible any longer.

Freezing

After they are completely cooled and chilled for 3 hours, wrap single bars in plastic wrap or transfer to freezer bags. They freeze well for up to 1 month. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight.

More bar recipes to try

  • Apple Pecan Bars
  • Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars
  • Cheesecake Bars

Recipe

sliced key lime bars on parchment paper with meringue and lime slices on top

Easy Key Lime Bars

5 from 5 votes
Author Sabine Venier
Calories: 192kcal
Servings: 16 bars
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Chill Time 3 hours
Total 3 hours 35 minutes
Print Pin Rate
Key lime bars are delicious and incredibly easy to make! You only need 8 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep. This recipe is ideal if you are a beginner. 

Ingredients
 
 

For the crust:

  • 7 oz graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ¾ cup fresh key lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon key lime zest

OPTIONAL: top with meringue or whipped cream

    Instructions

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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. 
    • Top with meringue or whipped cream before serving. Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 1 month.

    Notes

    Key lime juice substitute
    If you do not have access to fresh key limes to make juice, you would need to use 2 parts lime juice and 1 part lemon juice. So for this recipe, you would need to use ½ cup (118ml) regular lime juice and ¼ cup (59ml) lemon juice. 

    Video

    You can find the video in the post above. If you don't see a video, please check your browser settings.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 178mgPotassium: 133mgSugar: 19gVitamin A: 270IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 0.6mg
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword key lime bars, key lime bars recipe
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a feedback and rate this recipe!
    « Chocolate Bundt Cake
    Easy Rhubarb Pie Made From Scratch »

    About Sabine

    Sabine is a professional baker, cookbook author, and award-winning food photographer.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. pauline

      September 13, 2020 at 6:05 am

      5 stars
      Made today for arvo tea; with limes fresh from a neighbours tree. Well received by guests.

      Reply
    2. Marie

      February 16, 2018 at 10:37 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! These look wonderful. I’ve never tried key lime pie or bars or anything but can’t wait to try this

      Reply
      • Sabine

        February 16, 2018 at 10:48 pm

        Thank you so much, Marie! You need to try this recipe soon. You're going to love key lime anything. Have the best weekend.

        Reply
    3. Coley

      February 16, 2018 at 2:52 pm

      These look absolutely incredible Sabine!

      Reply
      • Sabine

        February 16, 2018 at 7:48 pm

        Thank you so much, Coley!

        Reply
    4. cakespy

      February 16, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      Oh my god, these look incredible. I'm absolutely amazed that they can be prepared so quickly! Key lime is one of my go-to dessert flavors.

      Reply
      • Sabine

        February 16, 2018 at 7:48 pm

        Thank you so much. Easy and quick baking recipes are always a win! Key lime is one of my favorite flavors too.

        Reply

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    Portrait photo of Sabine Venier

    Hi, my name is Sabine Venier! I’m a cookbook author and food blogger. Here on Also The Crumbs Please you will find my collection of treasured family recipes.

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