Creamy No-Bake Key Lime Pie Bars
These creamy no-bake key lime pie bars are a quick, refreshing summer dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust and a light, airy lime filling. Perfect for warm days and chill evenings, they combine tartness with a smooth, velvety texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh key lime juice (about 4–5 key limes)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and mixture holds together when pressed.
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Press crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Chill in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside in fridge.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, fresh key lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt if using. The mixture will thicken as the acid reacts with the milk.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the lime mixture using a rubber spatula, keeping the mixture airy and fluffy.
- Pour filling over chilled crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top.
- Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to cut cleanly. Overnight chilling is recommended for best flavor and texture.
- Lift bars out of pan using parchment overhang and cut into 12 squares with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.
- Optional: garnish with extra lime zest or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Chill the crust before adding the filling to prevent crumbling. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for neat slices. Keep mixing bowls chilled to whip cream faster and better. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as suggested in the recipe. Overnight chilling improves flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of rec
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 3
Keywords: key lime pie bars, no-bake dessert, summer dessert, creamy lime bars, easy key lime recipe, refreshing dessert