Description
These no-bake key lime pie bars offer a tangy, sweet, and creamy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust. They are easy to make, require zero oven time, and are perfect for make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups (150g) honey graham crackers, finely crushed
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (optional)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- Optional: Whipped cream or extra lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
- Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Pour into a bowl and stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Refrigerate while making the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese and beat on low speed until combined.
- Add fresh lime juice and lime zest, mixing just until incorporated to avoid curdling.
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Tap the pan to remove air bubbles.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Fresh key lime juice is preferred over bottled for better flavor. The bars do not freeze well due to texture changes in the cream cheese. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe dry before each slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Protein: 3
Keywords: key lime pie bars, no-bake dessert, graham cracker crust, lime dessert, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, summer dessert, cream cheese filling