Lime Bars Graham Cracker Crust

My neighbor brought these to our summer block party last year, and I literally hovered by the plate until I got the recipe. There is something about that buttery graham cracker base meeting all that bright lime curd that makes people stop mid conversation and ask what they are eating.

I made them for my sisters birthday instead of cake, and she said they were the best thing I have ever baked. The whole family kept sneaking back to the kitchen for just one more square.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Fresh crumbs make a huge difference here so pulse whole crackers in your food processor rather than buying pre-made crumbs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the crust just enough to balance the tart filling without making it cloying
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted: Use real butter because the flavor really shines through in such a simple crust
• Pinch of salt: Even a small amount lifts all the flavors and keeps the crust from tasting flat
• 4 large eggs: Room temperature eggs will incorporate more smoothly into the filling
• 1½ cups granulated sugar: This amount perfectly balances the intense acidity of fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Just enough to stabilize the filling without making it taste floury or chalky
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice: Absolutely use fresh limes because bottled juice will give you a flat artificial taste
• 2 tsp finely grated lime zest: Zest your limes before juicing them and avoid the bitter white pith
• ¼ cup whole milk: This makes the filling silkier and less eggy than without it
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the citrus flavors and keeps the filling from being one note
• Powdered sugar: A light dusting right before serving makes these look bakery beautiful
• Extra lime zest: Fresh zest on top hints at the bright flavor waiting inside

Instructions

Get your oven and pan ready:

Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper letting the paper hang over the sides like handles.

Make the crust:

Mix graham cracker crumbs sugar melted butter and salt in a medium bowl until it looks and feels like wet sand.

Press and bake:

Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan using the back of a measuring cup then bake for 10 minutes.

Whisk the filling:

Whisk eggs and sugar until smooth then add flour lime juice lime zest milk and salt whisking until everything is combined.

Bake until set:

Pour filling over the hot crust and bake 18 to 20 minutes until the center is just set with no jiggle.

Patience pays off:

Cool completely then refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing or the bars will be impossible to cut cleanly.

Finish and serve:

Dust with powdered sugar and extra lime zest right before serving for that gorgeous finish.

Save

These bars became my go to contribution for potlucks after three different people asked for the recipe at one gathering. Something about that bright green filling makes people happy before they even take a bite.

Making Them Ahead

I actually think these taste better on day two after the flavors have had time to marry in the refrigerator. You can make the entire recipe up to two days before serving just keep them covered and chilled.

Getting Clean Slices

The trick is to run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between every single cut. Wipe the blade clean often to prevent messy edges and transfer each slice carefully with a spatula.

Serving Ideas

These are stunning on their own but a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream takes them over the top. I have also served them alongside fresh berries when I want to feel extra fancy.

• Cut them small because they are rich
• Let them sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Save

There is nothing quite like that first tart and sweet bite to make you feel like summer arrived right on your plate.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of crust is used for these bars?

A buttery graham cracker crumb crust forms the base, baked briefly to set its texture before adding the filling.

→ Can I substitute the lime juice in the filling?

Yes, you can replace half the lime juice with lemon juice for a tarter flavor variation.

→ How long should the bars chill before serving?

Cooling completely at room temperature followed by at least one hour of refrigeration ensures the bars set properly and slice neatly.

→ Are there any allergen considerations?

These bars contain eggs, dairy, and gluten. Check store-bought graham crackers for possible nut or soy traces.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain freshness and texture.

→ Is the topping mandatory for the bars?

The powdered sugar dusting and extra lime zest topping are optional enhancements that add subtle sweetness and color.