Easy Key Lime Bars

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

5 from 6 votes

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Chill Time3

Total Time3 35

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: bars

Calories: 192kcal

Author: Sabine

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

US Customary - Metric

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.

Video

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.

Nutrition