Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

If you’re craving the flavors of a traditional key lime pie but want something that’s easier to make, then you have to try these delicious Key Lime Pie Bars. They are made with only a few simple ingredients and come together in no time! This fresh, citrusy dessert is the perfect bite-sized treat for your next spring gathering or the upcoming summer days!

Ingredients for Key Lime Pie Bars

Eggs: No need to worry about separating egg whites because we will be using whole eggs for the key lime filling. Including the egg yolks will provide a richer texture.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: For the classic key lime pie texture and sweet flavor!

Key limes: For best results, we will be using fresh key lime juice! You will also use the key lime zest from these as well! You can use regular limes if you can’t find key limes but it will change the flavor to be a bit more on the tart side. Bottled key lime juice is convenient but it will change the flavor to be more artificial tasting instead of a bright flavor!

Graham Crackers: For the classic graham cracker crust that is the perfect balance of buttery and sweet!

Granulated Sugar: For additional sweetness for the graham cracker crust. You could also use brown sugar as well.

Melted Unsalted Butter: To help bind the graham cracker crust.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Bars

• Make the graham cracker crust: In a blender or food processor, pulse the crackers until they turn into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and sugar and pulse a few more times until well combined.
• Bake your crust: Press the crust into your 8 x 8 square pan that is lined with parchment paper and bake at 350ºF for 8 minutes. This helps the pie crust set before adding the filling.
• Prepare your pie filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs (make sure they are at room temperature) , sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and key lime juice and zest until the creamy filling becomes thick and well combined.
• Bake the pie: Bake the bars for 15 minutes at 350ºF. You know when it’s done when you touch the edge and it feels set without any residue getting on your finger. When you shake the pan, the middle should be slightly jiggly. It will set completely as it cools.
• Let cool then chill before enjoying: Let the bars cool completely before storing in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Chilling longer and overnight helps deepen the flavors of this even more! Garnish with whipped cream and lime slices, use a sharp knife to cut into even squares, and serve!

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Swap the graham cracker crust for a shortbread crust or a vanilla butter crust! 
• You can use biscoff cookies instead of graham crackers to switch up the flavor! 
• Top with more key lime zest for garnish! 
• Top with berries for a perfect pairing!

These key lime bars are an easy dessert that everyone will love! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days! Please be sure to leave a five star rating below if you loved this recipe and check out my Instagram for more tart treats and key lime desserts! Click here for my Key Lime Pie recipe! As always, poftă bună!