Easy Creamy No-Bake Key Lime Pie Bars
A quick and easy no-bake dessert featuring a creamy, tangy key lime filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (optional 8-10 minutes if baking crust)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Extra lime zest or thin lime slices (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan. Baking is optional; if baking, bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. If not baking, just press firmly and proceed.
- Make the filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, blending after each addition until fully combined.
- Stir in fresh key lime juice and lime zest if using. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- Pour the lime filling over the crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to let the bars set.
- Once chilled, cut into about 12 squares. Top with whipped cream and lime zest or slices if desired. Keep refrigerated until serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and coconut condensed milk. Baking the crust is optional but adds a toasty flavor and firmer texture. Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of rec
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: key lime pie bars, no-bake dessert, summer dessert, creamy lime bars, easy dessert, graham cracker crust, tangy lime dessert