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.
Why this recipe works
- You only need 8 ingredients, and you probably have them around your home already.
- All you need is 10 minutes of prep time.
- They are perfect for all events like dinner parties and barbecues and please a crowd.
Instructions
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a 10x7 or 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper with enough overhang on the sides. Set aside.
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. Then bake for about 10 minutes and remove from the oven.
While the crust is baking, mix condensed milk and eggs until combined.
Add lime juice and zest and stir to combine.
Pour the filling on top of the prebaked crust.
Bake for about 15 minutes until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature then transfer them to the fridge and chill at least 3 hours. Top with meringue or whipped cream before serving.
Top Tips
- 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.
- 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, they need to set up. Make sure you let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.
Substitutions
Key Lime Juice
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. So, you would need to use ½ cup (118ml) lime juice and ¼ cup (59ml) lemon juice.
Additional flavors
Adding additional flavors is easy. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Add ½ cup crushed pecans (87g) to the crust. Simply put them in the food processor until they are finely chopped.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mixture. It adds a nice spicy element to the bars.
- Add 2 ounces (56g) of cream cheese to the filling mixture. This will make them even creamier and fuller.
Storage
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.
Related Recipes
Craving more delicious bar recipes? You are going to love the following recipes:
Recipe
Easy Key Lime Bars
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 7 oz graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
For the filling:
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup fresh key lime juice
- 1 tbsp 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.
Video
Notes
Additional flavors Adding additional is easy. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Add ½ cup crushed pecans (87g) to the crust. Simply put them in the food processor until they are finely chopped.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mixture. It adds a nice spicy element.
- Add 2 ounces (56g) of cream cheese to the filling mixture. This will make them even creamier and fuller.
Top Tips
- 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.
- 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, they need to set up. Make sure you let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving.
Made today for arvo tea; with limes fresh from a neighbours tree. Well received by guests.
Wow! These look wonderful. I’ve never tried key lime pie or bars or anything but can’t wait to try this
Thank you so much, Marie! You need to try this recipe soon. You're going to love key lime anything. Have the best weekend.
These look absolutely incredible Sabine!
Thank you so much, Coley!
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.
Thank you so much. Easy and quick baking recipes are always a win! Key lime is one of my favorite flavors too.