Dessert

Key Lime Bars Recipe

ByClara Bennett October 11, 2026October 11, 2026

Introduction

These tangy and creamy Key Lime Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth lime filling, they’re a refreshing dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

The image shows a square dessert cut into nine pieces, each piece having two layers: a light yellow creamy top layer with a smooth but slightly cracked texture, and a thinner, golden-brown crust layer underneath. Some squares are topped with small dollops of white whipped cream, and a few have a small lime wedge or lime zest scattered on top, adding a fresh green touch. The dessert is placed on white parchment paper atop a white marbled surface, and a metal spatula holds one piece slightly lifted from the rest. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
4 large egg yolks
Pinch of kosher salt
1 tablespoon lime zest
Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, vanilla extract, softened cream cheese, egg yolks, kosher salt, and lime zest until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Pour the lime filling over the baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bars are mostly set with the center just barely jiggly.
Step 5: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set before cutting into squares.
Step 6: Garnish with whipped cream if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense lime flavor, increase the lime zest to 2 tablespoons.
If you can’t find key limes, fresh regular lime juice can be used as a substitute with good results.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to cut clean squares without cracking the bars.

Storage

Store the Key Lime Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. For best texture, serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

How to Serve

A square piece of cheesecake with two layers sits on a white plate with a textured edge; the bottom layer is a light brown crumbly crust, and the top thick layer is pale yellow and smooth with a creamy texture. On top of the cheesecake is a dollop of white whipped cream with tiny lime zest sprinkled on it, adding a touch of green. A silver fork rests next to the dessert on the plate, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh key lime juice?

While fresh key lime juice offers the best flavor, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch. Be sure to choose pure lime juice without added sugars or preservatives for the best taste.

Why are the bars a little jiggly when done baking?

The center of the bars should be just slightly jiggly when you take them out of the oven because they continue to set as they cool. Overbaking can cause them to become dry or crack.