Description
These tangy, sweet, and incredibly creamy no-bake key lime pie bars require zero oven time. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a rich lime filling, they are the perfect make-ahead dessert for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (150g) graham crackers, crushed
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) key lime juice
- ½ cup (120g) lime curd
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra heavy cream, whipped (for topping)
- 1 lime, zested (for garnish)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides, and spray lightly with non-stick spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place in the fridge to set while making the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides.
- Whisk in the key lime juice and lime curd until fully combined.
- In a separate cold bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Add one-third of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and fold in to lighten. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream.
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment sling. Cut into squares or rectangles.
- Top with dollops of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh lime zest. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Chill the mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping cream if the kitchen is warm. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried between cuts. These bars taste better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 2
Keywords: no-bake, key lime pie, bars, dessert, summer recipes, make-ahead dessert, gluten-free option, easy dessert