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a stack of three key lime pie bars
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5 from 9 votes

Super Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

These Key Lime Pie Bars could not be easier to whip up and taste AMAZING and authentic! Tart, tangy, sweet and gooey with bright and zesty key lime flavor!
Prep Time4 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time4 hours 50 minutes
Course: Bars, Dessert, Pie
Cuisine: American, Dessert

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

  • cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter

For the Key Lime Filling:

  • 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 28 oz (Two 14-oz cans) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3/4 cup key lime juice I like Nellie and Joe's
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • Fresh whipped cream, for garnish optional but recommended

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° degrees F. Line an 8x8 square light metal baking pan with foil or parchment, extending the sides of the foil over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil with cooking spray and set aside.
  • For the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and granulated sugar until moistened and combined. Pour the moistened crumbs into the prepared pan and press into an even layer with a flat bottomed measuring cup or your hands. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven but keep oven on. Allow crust to cool briefly, about 10 minutes.
  • For the filling: Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl with a handheld electric mixer until smooth. Add in the sweetened condensed milk and mix well, followed by the key lime juice and zest and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. Pour the filling evenly over the partially cooled crust and smooth carefully into an even layer.
  • Bake for an additional 10 minutes, then allow the bars to cool for about 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, before cutting into bars to serve. Before serving, I like to top with freshly whipped cream and toasted coconut or fresh lime zest.

Notes

This recipe was tested with Nellie and Joe's key lime juice which you can find at most grocery stores across America in the juice aisle. It is by far the easiest way to get authentic key lime flavor without juicing a ton of teeny tiny fresh key limes.