Our Key Lime Pie Bars have a graham cracker crust under a creamy key lime filling and topped with whipped cream. They're easy to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime!

Want more pie recipes? Try Lemon Cream Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Banana Cream Pie, or No-Bake Cheesecake!

Easy key lime pie bars cut into squares and topped with whipped cream and fresh lime zest.

Key Lime Pie Bars mean working smarter, not harder.

There are a few reasons I transformed my favorite Key Lime Pie , into bars. Mainly, they are really easy to cut and serve this way, as a simple finger food–no fork (or even plate) needed. They're also easier transport in a baking dish with a lid, to stack in the fridge, etc. You can also double the recipe in a 9×13” pan to feed more guests, very easily. And the best part is they're just as delicious as “pie” with a creamy, tart lime filling.

How to make Key Lime Pie Bars:

Make Graham Cracker Crust: Mix sugar, melted butter, and graham crackers together then press into an 8″ square baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F then let cool.

Two images showing graham cracker, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl then after it's pressed into a square dish for a key lime bars recipe.

Make Filling: Beat cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth, then add sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest, mixing until smooth. Pour over graham cracker crust and bake for 10 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Two images showing key lime squares before they are baked then after they are baked, cooled, and cut into squares and topped with whipped cream and a lime slice.

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

To Make Ahead: The bars can be made up to 3 days ahead of time, stored in the fridge. The graham cracker pie crust could be made several days ahead, stored at room temperature or in the fridge.

To Freeze: Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

More Bar Recipes:

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Recipe

Easy key lime pie bars cut into squares and topped with whipped cream and fresh lime zest.
Prep 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 1 hour 30 minutes
Save Recipe

Ingredients
 
 

Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, crushed)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons butter , melted

Key lime filling:

Instructions
 

  • Make Crust: For the crust, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter and press into an 8'' square baking pan. 
  • Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Allow to cool before adding filling.
  • Filling: Add cream cheese to a mixing bowl then beat well with electric beaters until smooth. Add both cans of sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest then mix again until smooth. 
  • Bake: Pour over prepared graham cracker crust and bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Allow to cool for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, before serving.
  • Serve: Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, if desired.

Notes

Lime Juice: There are 2 ways you can get key lime juice for this recipe. Juice about 20 of your own small key limes, OR I always use Nellie and Joe's Key Lime Juice (available at most grocery stores) in the bottle.
Make Ahead Instructions: The bars can be made up to 3 days ahead of time, stored in the fridge. The graham cracker pie crust could be made several days ahead, stored at room temperature or in the fridge.
To Freeze: Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 144mgPotassium: 51mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 310IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.5mg

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I originally shared this recipe June 2015. Updated November 2020 and November 2024.

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About The Author

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

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Rachel
4 years ago

5 stars
This was great. Do you think you could make these in an individual muffin/cupcake pan? If so , any idea what the cooking instructions might be? I’m so bad at determining that kind of stuff.

Kristi
4 years ago

5 stars
These were SO good! And easy to make. I brought these to a party, and everyone raved about how good they were.

Beth
4 years ago

Will these turn out the same as the previous recipe that used sour cream? We know and love that one so I’m a little nervous with the cream cheese change. Is the sour cream version available somewhere else? Thanks!!

Emma
4 years ago
Reply to  Beth

We feel the same way! Is there any way to gain access to the old version too? My family goes nuts for it

Melissa
5 years ago

5 stars
Those are the best key lime bars we’ve ever tasted!!! My husband just said, these are as good as we have ever had in Key West!! Actually, better!! Thank you, for this recipe, absolutely amazing!!

Nilda
5 years ago

I am wondering if you could use the graham crackers and process them in a food processor if you are not able to find the crumbs. During this Covid 19, I am having a hard time finding a lot of baking products! I am sure I am not the only one having that problem! 😟

Suz
5 years ago

5 stars
Could you substitute your key lime pie recipe for key lime bars?

Kelley
6 years ago

5 stars
At my son’s request, made these tonight, I inadvertently left the sugar out of the crust but it turned out great, was a huge hit!

Regina c
6 years ago

5 stars
Making this a second time! The first I made the filling only and used a store bought Graham crust then made a meringue topping with the egg whites, was a good balance of sweet/tart. I used Joyce Lafray’s bottled key lime juice.

Jill
7 years ago

5 stars
Made this a bunch of times this year! delicious! Curious if I could substitute plain yogurt for sour cream -ran out-?

Beth
7 years ago

This was by far the best key lime dessert I have ever had! Turned out perfect!