Key Lime Bars

Key Lime Bars are an easy, mouthwatering way to get your citrus fix! Made with a buttery shortbread crust and an ooey-gooey layer of lime goodness, you’ll want to make this treat for all your summer get-togethers!

  • Prep15 min
  • Cook45 min
  • Total2 hr
  • Yield16 bars
  • Calories299

Ingredients Steps Notes

Key Lime Bars

Key Lime Bars are an easy, mouthwatering way to get your citrus fix! Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a soft layer of lime goodness, you’ll want to make this treat for all your summer get-togethers!

Three Lime bars stacked on top of each other.

A Mouthwatering Citrusy Sweet Treat

These Key Lime Bars are a delicious way to enjoy some bright citrus flavor this summer! Cut ‘em into squares, and these grab-and-go treats can be served at all your outdoor get-togethers — no utensils required!

If you love lime, you’ll love this dessert! And if you can’t get enough of these — or of tart, citrus flavors — try my Lemon Bars recipe, too!

Lime Bars lined up on a white plate topped with lime wedges and powdered sugar.

Ingredients For Key Lime Bars

Unsalted Butter
Granulated Sugar
All-Purpose Flour
Kosher Salt
Large Eggs
Key Lime Juice
Key Lime Zest
Powdered Sugar

How To Make Key Lime Bars

1. The first step is to preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prep your baking pan with parchment paper and cooking spray.
2. Then throw together that flaky shortbread crust. Combine flour, sugar, butter, and a dash of salt, chill for 15 minutes, then bake until barely golden brown.
3. For that scrumptious lime layer, all you need are eggs, sugar, flour, key lime juice, and lime zest. Mix together, pour into crust, then bake again for 25 minutes to 30 minutes. Regular limes can also be used if you can’t find key limes.
4. After the bars have cooled, sprinkle a little bit of powdered sugar on top. That’s it!

Step-by-step photos showing how to make key lime pie bars.

I never leave recipe reviews, but I had to, these are amazing! I made it to the letter and it came out perfect. I used the juice and zest of four limes and it hit the spot. It’s super punchy and packed with lime flavor yumm!

– Susie

Can Lime Bars Be Frozen?

Yes, they certainly can. In fact, they are actually really great frozen. To freeze them, simply allow the bars to cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Stack of Key Lime Bars on a white plate garnished with powdered sugar and lime zest.

More Delicious Lime Recipes

Steps

Shortbread Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with a sheet of parchment paper, then grease well and set aside.

  2. With a hand mixer or in a stand mixer, cream the butter for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the sugar and flour and mix well.

  3. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Spread it into an even layer with your fingers. Chill for 15 minutes, then bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until just barely golden brown. Cool.

Lime Custard

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well incorporated. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.

  2. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F until the custard is set. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar as desired and serve. You may also chill the bars and serve them cold.

Notes

  • Shelf Life: Room temperature if served the day they are made, otherwise, store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To Freeze: Allow the bars to cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Key Lime Pie Bars: If you really want to get fancy, just add a layer of meringue, toast, and enjoy.
  • No Key Limes? That's okay, this recipe is still delicious when made with traditional limes

Nutrition

  • Calories299
  • Carbs43g
  • Protein4g
  • Fat13g
  • Saturated fat8g
  • Fiber1g
  • Sugar25g
  • Sodium58mg

Estimates per serving, when a serving size is listed.