These decadent Key Lime Bars are the perfect size for parties and more. The filling is light and creamy with the best lime flavor.
I love the flavor of key lime pie. I tried something different with key lime bars recipe. Each bite is so decadent with the perfect combination of sweet and tartness.
Key Lime Pie Bars are so delicious and easy to make. Bar recipes make the perfect dessert for parties and holidays. I also make Pumpkin Bars Recipe.
For more lime flavor, also try Key Lime Cupcakes and 67 Easy Lime Desserts.
What's in this post: Key Lime Bars
Why we love this recipe
From the graham cracker crust to the tasty filling, it is heavenly. We have served this for parties, bridal showers, tea parties and even brunch. It is really so tasty but simple enough just for family movie night.
You get all the flavor of classic pie in bar form.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- Graham Crackers, crushed into crumbs
- Brown Sugar
- unsalted Butter
- Salt
For the Key Lime Filling
- Cream Cheese
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Large Egg Yolks
- Lime Zest
- Key Lime Juice
Scroll to the recipe card and find the complete ingredients.
How to Make Key Lime Bars
- Step 1 – First, go ahead and preheat the oven.
- Step 2 – Next, get your 8×8 baking pan ready. I like to line it with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up.
Step 3. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. I used a food processor. You can also crush the graham cracker sheets in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin.
Step 4. Once you have the graham crackers ready, you can mix all of the crust ingredients together including the melted butter.
Step 5. Then just press the crust mixture into the prepared pan.
Step 6. Finally, make the delicious lime mixture for the filling. Start with beating the cream cheese with an electric mixer until soft and adding the sweetened condensed milk.
Step 7. Add in Eggs one at a time and whisk until combined.
Step 8. Stir in the lime zest and key lime juice.
Step 9. Combine together. You need to stir this together by hand.
Step 10. Pour the mixture into the crust in the baking dish. Make sure to spread in an even layer. Then bake the bars. Times will vary based on oven so keep a watch during the last few minutes. You want the mixture slightly firm but not overcooked.
- Step 11. Let the bars cool at room temperature. I like really pretty clean slices and it is so easy to do if you put in the fridge before cutting and serving. Also, use a sharp knife to make this even easier. Make sure to chill the bars for a minimum of 4 hours but overnight is best.
Pro Tips
- Smaller Bars – Because these key lime bars recipes are so rich in flavor, I like to cut in smaller portions.
- Mixing Ingredients – When adding in cheesecake ingredients, make sure to add in eggs one at a time. Combine ingredients until mixed, do not over-mix.
- Graham Crackers – Combine ingredients to make graham cracker crumbs. Use a food processor to chop the graham cracker into small pieces.
- Mixer – Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to combine the cheesecake ingredients. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to combine all the ingredients.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Before preparing the cheesecake, make sure the ingredients are at room temperature.
- Line Pan – We recommend lining the pan with parchment paper. Once the cheesecake has cooled, then you can remove and cut them easily.
- Whipped Cream – We like to garnish with Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe or powdered sugar on top.
Storage
Store key lime bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing it in the container. They will last up to 5 days if stored properly.
Can you freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze Key Lime Cheesecake Bars for about 3 months if stored properly. These easy steps will ensure that you will be able to make key lime cheesecake in advance.
- Wrap cheesecake bars tightly – Keep bars free from any air or moisture.
- Wax Paper – Wrap bars in wax paper completely.
- Second Wrap – Then wrap in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to ensure no freezer burns or no air gets in.
- Freeze – Store in the back of the freezer so that it stays the same temperature while in the freezer.
- Serving – When you are ready to serve, remove from freeze and let thaw on the counter for about 2 hours. Serve at room temperature if you prefer.
Can you use Limes in place of Key Limes?
Yes, you can. However, just a note that key limes are typically more tart than just a normal lime.
Key limes are also known as Mexican limes and are not has sweet. Keep this in mind if you substitute one for the other.
You can normally find key lime juice but if you do not, you can use regular lime juice. It just will not be as tart.
More Lime Desserts
- Lime Jell-O Poke Cake Recipe
- Homemade Lime Popsicles Recipe
- Cherry Limeade Cupcakes
- Lemon Lime Popsicles
It’s your turn to make these delicious key lime bars with cream cheese. Then come back and leave a comment and star recipe rating.
Key Lime Bars
Ingredients
- 8 full Graham Crackers crushed into crumbs
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 4 Tbsp Butter melted
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- For the Key Lime Filling:
- 2 oz cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 3 Large Egg Yolks
- 1 Tbsp Lime Zest approximately 3 limes
- 1/2 cup Key Lime Juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 8X8 baking pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Crush up the graham crackers in a food processor to make graham cracker crumbs.
- Mix together the crust ingredients in a medium size mixing bowl. Then press this mixture into the bottom of the 8X8 baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft and add in the condensed milk. Mix until smooth.
- Add in the egg yolks one at a time until well combined.
- Then stir in the lime zest and key lime juice by hand.
- Spread this mixture onto of the crust in the 8X8 baking pan.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until set and slightly firm.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator before cutting and serving. Chill the bars for a minimum of 4 hours but overnight is ideal so that they can fully set.
- Enjoy!
