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Refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe Easy Homemade with Creamy Coconut Topping

key lime pie bars - featured image

These refreshing Key Lime Pie Bars feature a tangy lime filling with a buttery graham cracker crust and a light, airy whipped coconut topping, perfect for a bright and tropical dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (about 1520 key limes)
  • Zest of 2 key limes
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight (only the solid cream part used)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons melted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture feels like damp sand.
  2. Transfer the crumb mixture into the 8×8-inch pan. Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to firmly press the crust into an even layer about a half-inch thick. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 eggs until frothy. Add the can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup fresh key lime juice, and zest from 2 limes. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the center still jiggles slightly.
  5. Remove from oven and let the bars cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  6. Scoop out the solid coconut cream from the chilled can into a cold bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip the coconut cream on medium-high speed until it starts to thicken (about 2-3 minutes).
  7. Add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
  8. Spread or pipe the whipped coconut topping evenly over the chilled lime bars. Optionally, sprinkle lime zest or toasted coconut flakes on top.
  9. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to cut neat bars. Serve chilled.

Notes

Chill the coconut milk can overnight to separate the cream for whipping. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean slices. Avoid overbaking the filling; it should jiggle slightly in the center when done. The bars taste better after chilling overnight. For gluten-free, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs or almond flour. For vegan, use vegan sweetened condensed milk alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: key lime pie bars, lime dessert, coconut topping, easy dessert, no-bake topping, summer dessert, tropical dessert, gluten-free option, dairy-free dessert