Bright and Tangy Key Lime Bars Recipe

These easy-to-make dessert bars capture the refreshing flavors of a Key lime pie in a handheld treat.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:18am

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A grid of brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen prints of a single, iconic Key lime bar, conceptually representing the classic dessert reimagined as modern pop art.Drummond's portable, shareable take on the classic Florida dessert brings the bright, creamy flavors of Key lime pie to any potluck or cookout.Key West Today

Key lime bars are a delightful citrus-forward dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky smooth filling made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and plenty of tangy Key lime juice and zest. They're the perfect sweet-tart treat for warm weather gatherings.

Why it matters

Key lime bars offer a portable and shareable version of the classic Key lime pie, capturing the bright, refreshing flavors of the Florida Keys in a convenient bar format. They're an ideal dessert for summer cookouts, potlucks, and other outdoor celebrations.

The details

The recipe starts with a baked graham cracker crust that provides a sturdy base for the creamy lime filling. The filling is made by combining cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, Key lime juice, and lime zest to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and tart. After baking until just set, the bars can be easily cut into squares and topped with fluffy whipped cream for a delightful finishing touch.

  • The recipe was published on April 17, 2026.

The players

Ree Drummond

The author of the recipe and a well-known food blogger and television personality.

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What they’re saying

“They're like taking a mini vacation!”

— Ree Drummond

The takeaway

Key lime bars offer a delicious and portable way to enjoy the bright, tangy flavors of Key lime pie, making them an ideal dessert for summer gatherings and celebrations.