Refreshing Frozen Key Lime Pie Bars
These frozen key lime pie bars are a quick, easy, and delicious summer dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy key lime filling. No baking required, perfect for hot days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (optional baking of crust)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 150g)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (85g)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225g)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (396g can)
- 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: whipped cream or extra lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined and holds together when pressed.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. For a firmer crust, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes and let cool completely; otherwise, refrigerate to set.
- Make the filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth (2-3 minutes). Slowly add sweetened condensed milk and mix until well incorporated.
- Stir in fresh key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until smooth but do not overbeat.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm but scoopable.
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 9 or 12 squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges.
- Optional: Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra lime zest before serving.
Notes
Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Baking the crust is optional but gives a firmer, toastier base. Fresh key lime juice and zest provide the best flavor. Let bars sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing for easier cutting. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute cream cheese and crust ingredients accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (if cut into 1
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Protein: 3
Keywords: key lime pie bars, frozen dessert, summer dessert, no bake dessert, easy key lime bars, creamy key lime, graham cracker crust