Description
These creamy key lime pie bars are a simple, no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy, sweet lime filling. They are easy to make, portable, and perfect for make-ahead gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (150g) graham crackers, crushed
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 ounces / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh key lime juice
- Zest of 2 key limes (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and spray lightly with non-stick spray.
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs with melted butter and sugar until it resembles damp sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix until combined.
- Pour in fresh key lime juice and zest. Beat on low speed just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Tap the pan to release air bubbles.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until set.
- Lift bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Fresh key lime juice provides the best flavor; bottled juice may taste metallic. For clean slices, dip the knife in hot water and dry it before each cut. Bars keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: key lime pie bars, no-bake dessert, easy dessert, 5-ingredient recipe, key lime bars, summer dessert, make-ahead dessert