These Key Lime Pie Bars have everything you love about classic key lime pie in an easy square-bar format: a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and tangy key lime filling, and a soft whipped cream topping.
The filling is simple but rich, made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, and plenty of lime zest. Baking the bars briefly helps the filling set more firmly, then a long freeze gives you clean, neat slices with a cool, almost frozen-cheesecake texture.
They are especially good for warm weather, parties, potlucks, or any time you want a citrus dessert that feels fresh without being complicated.
Why You Will Love These Key Lime Pie Bars
Bright and Tangy
The key lime juice gives the filling a fresh, sharp citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk.
Creamy Texture
Cream cheese gives the bars body and a soft cheesecake-like consistency.
Buttery Graham Cracker Crust
The crisp graham base adds exactly the right contrast to the creamy lime filling.
Easy to Make Ahead
Because the bars need several hours in the freezer, they are perfect for preparing the day before serving.
Easy to Customize
You can make them sweeter, more tart, switch to lemon, or add coconut for a tropical variation.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 1Β½ cups graham cracker crumbs, about 12 full sheets
- β cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Key Lime Filling
- 1 can (14 ounces / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ΒΎ cup key lime juice
- Zest of 3 limes
- Optional: an extra 7 ounces sweetened condensed milk for a sweeter filling
For Topping
- Fresh whipped cream
- Extra lime zest
Ingredient Notes
Graham Crackers
Crush the crackers finely so the crust packs together well.