Description

These no-bake key lime pie bars are the perfect summer dessert, offering a bright, tangy, and creamy treat without turning on the oven. They are make-ahead friendly, portable, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
2 blocks (16oz / 450g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
1/2 cup (120ml) key lime juice, fresh-squeezed
2 tablespoons key lime zest
1 can (14oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
In a food processor, pulse graham cracker crumbs until fine. Add melted butter, sugar, and salt; pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place in the fridge to set.
In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In another large bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two batches, using a spatula to keep the air in the cream.
Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Cover with plastic wrap or foil.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife and serve chilled.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Use fresh-squeezed key lime juice for the best flavor, avoiding bottled juice if possible. Chill bars for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for setting and flavor melding. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.

Prep Time: 23 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 280
Sugar: 24
Sodium: 180
Fat: 16
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 4

Keywords: no-bake, key lime pie bars, summer dessert, labor day dessert, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, key lime, graham cracker crust