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Key Lime Pie Bars

Key lime pie bars with a thick graham cracker crust and a smooth, tart green filling that sets with a gentle jiggle. This lemon bar variation bakes into easy citrus bars for a bright summer dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Graham cracker crust
  • 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp butter melted
Key lime filling
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 0.75 cup fresh key lime juice or regular lime juice
  • 2 tbsp lime zest
  • 1 green food coloring optional
Topping
  • 1 powdered sugar
  • 1 lime zest extra, for scattering

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make and bake the crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, then mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened.
  2. Press the crust mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 9x13 pan, smoothing the top with your palm.
  3. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool slightly before adding the filling.
Mix and bake the key lime filling
  1. Whisk egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, lime zest, and a drop of green food coloring until smooth and combined.
  2. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread it evenly to the edges.
  3. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F until the filling is just set with a slight jiggle in the center.
  4. Cool the bars completely at room temperature before chilling.
Chill and finish
  1. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until firm.
  2. Dust the top with powdered sugar, scatter lime zest, then cut into 16 bars to serve.

Notes

For the cleanest slices, chill until fully firm (at least 3 hours) and use a sharp knife with a quick wipe between cuts. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; freeze cut bars for up to 2 months if you wrap tightly. For a dairy-light option, swap sweetened condensed milk for a similar amount of lactose-free sweetened condensed milk to keep the texture while changing dairy.