Easy No-Bake Key Lime Pie Bars
A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy key lime filling. Perfect for summer gatherings and fuss-free entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers, finely crushed)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (about 20–25 key limes)
- 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Pour in 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust: Transfer the graham mixture into a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to firmly press the crumbs into an even layer. Chill in the fridge while making the filling.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large egg yolks and 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice until slightly thickened and pale, about 2-3 minutes by hand or 1 minute with an electric mixer. Slowly whisk in the entire 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Fold in 1 teaspoon lime zest.
- Pour and chill: Pour the lime filling over the chilled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably 4, until firm and sliceable.
- Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars. Clean the knife between cuts for clean edges. Serve chilled.
Notes
Use fresh key lime juice for best flavor. Room temperature egg yolks blend more smoothly. Chill bars for at least 3-4 hours or overnight for best texture. Dip knife in hot water and wipe between cuts for clean slices. For gluten-free crust, substitute almond flour and coconut oil. For dairy-free, use coconut condensed milk and vegan butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: key lime pie bars, no-bake dessert, summer dessert, graham cracker crust, easy dessert, key lime recipe