Summer desserts should be the easiest ones you make all year long, and that’s why I keep No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars on repeat from June through August. Around here at Recipes NYC, we’re all about simple, oven-free treats that still taste like they took all day. But skipping the oven doesn’t mean skipping flavor. These bars are a creamy, citrus-packed twist on classic Key lime pie—with a sweet graham cracker crust and a chill that cuts through the heat like a breeze off the Catskills.
If you’ve ever loved the sharp, tart bite of real Key lime juice, this one’s for you. The filling is rich and smooth, thanks to sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream, but still delivers that signature lime zip. And because these No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars firm up in the fridge, they’re as easy to slice as they are to serve. I’ve been making them alongside our Keto Cold Brew Coffee Pie and no-bake lemon cookies—they disappear fast at church picnics and family fish fries.
Honestly, I’ve made versions of No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars since the kids were little, and they’ve always been a summer staple. They come together with pantry ingredients and just a bit of lime zest and patience while they chill. They’re tart, creamy, and cool enough to feel like a treat but simple enough to whip up before supper. You won’t miss the oven one bit.
Table of Contents
No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars: Bright, Cool & Ridiculously Easy Dessert
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chill time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars deliver all the sweet-tart flavor of classic Key lime pie in an easy, sliceable, oven-free dessert. Perfect for summer!
Ingredients
FOR THE CRUST:
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12 full-size sheets graham crackers (about 6 1/2 ounces)
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
FOR THE KEY LIME FILLING AND TOPPING:
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8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
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3/4 cup boiling water
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1 (3-ounce) box powdered lime gelatin dessert mix
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1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
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1/2 cup bottled or fresh Key lime juice (about 10 Key limes)
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
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Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
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Stir in sugar, salt, and melted butter until evenly combined.
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Press the crust firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish and refrigerate.
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In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir and let cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, salt, and cooled gelatin mixture. Mix until smooth.
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Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
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Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
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Slice into bars and top with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
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Use bottled Key lime juice if fresh limes aren’t available.
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Bars keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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A 9×9-inch pan can be used, but layers will be thinner.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars, key lime dessert, no-bake summer dessert
Why You’ll Love It
It tastes just like Key lime pie. The sweet-tart combo of real Key lime juice and creamy condensed milk gives these No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars all the classic pie flavor, but with a lighter, fluffier texture.
The bars are so easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no oven time, you can whip these up in 30 minutes. Let them chill, and they’re ready whenever you are.
Key Ingredients in Key Lime Fluff Bars
Key lime: Key limes are small, tart, and slightly sweeter than regular limes. If you can’t find fresh ones, bottled Key lime juice works just fine in these No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars. It’s usually stocked with lemon juice or near the cocktail mixers.
Lime gelatin dessert mix: This gives the bars their signature fluffy texture and helps everything set without baking. Be sure to use just ¾ cup boiling water—less than the box calls for—so the bars hold their shape without getting too soft.
Sweetened condensed milk: Rich and silky, this canned milk adds the perfect amount of sweetness. It blends beautifully with the lime juice to create the creamy filling that makes these No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars irresistible.
Graham crackers: For the crust, finely crushed graham crackers mix with melted butter to make a firm, slightly crunchy base. A food processor makes quick work of it, but a zip-top bag and rolling pin do the trick too.
Helpful Swaps
A 9×9-inch baking pan can be used instead of an 8×8-inch one. Just know the layers in your No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars will be a bit thinner. These bars are rich and creamy, so even smaller pieces satisfy—perfect if you want to stretch it to 16 servings.
If fresh Key limes aren’t available and you’d rather skip the bottled juice, regular limes make a solid backup. You’ll need about 5 medium limes to get ½ cup of juice, which works just as well in both flavor and texture.
More Key Lime Desserts
If you’re as hooked on that sweet-tart Key lime flavor as we are, you’ll want more ways to keep the citrus coming. Try these ideas next time you’re craving a cool, creamy bite.
For another no-bake treat with a lemony twist, these 4-Ingredient No-Bake Lemon Cookies are pantry-friendly and full of bright flavor. They’re great for when you want a citrus dessert without turning on the oven.
If you’re after a slightly richer but still refreshing dessert, don’t miss the Keto Cold Brew Coffee Pie. It’s creamy, cool, and hits that balance between indulgent and light—perfect for a summer dessert table.
Conclusion
There’s something deeply satisfying about a dessert that delivers bold flavor without a single minute in the oven. These No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars bring all the citrusy goodness of a classic pie into an easy, sliceable treat you can serve straight from the fridge. Whether you’re hosting neighbors on the porch or just need a cool finish to a summer supper, these bars check every box.
With ingredients you likely already have and steps that don’t require precision or patience, this is the kind of recipe that fits into real life—just like we like it here at Recipes NYC. Try it once, and these No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars might just become your new warm-weather go-to.
FAQs About No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars
Do key lime pies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, both traditional Key lime pies and No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars need to be refrigerated. The dairy in the filling—especially cream cheese, whipped cream, and condensed milk—requires cold storage to stay fresh and safe to eat.
How to tell if Key lime pie went bad?
Check for signs like a sour smell, watery separation, or discoloration in the filling. If your Key lime fluff bars or pie start to lose their creamy texture or show any mold, it’s best to toss them. Always keep them sealed in the fridge and eat within a few days.
How long will homemade Key lime pie last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, homemade Key lime pie or No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For best texture and flavor, enjoy within that window.
Does frozen Key lime pie expire?
Yes, even frozen desserts have a shelf life. If you freeze your No-Bake Key Lime Fluff Bars, they’re best used within 1–2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn and label them with a date.
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