I’ve tried a few dairy-free, healthy key lime pie recipes, and while they’ve been good, there’s something about the texture of the filling that just didn’t quite work like real key lime pie. I decided to try making bars with all of the sweet, tart, key lime flavor I love, but without having to worry quite as much about the texture working exactly like the pie. Without real dairy or sugar, getting the texture perfect can be tricky—bake too long and the pie cracks and is way too firm, bake not long enough and the middle of the pie is runny—not good! Since these bars are flat and the filling is in an even layer, it is easier to get a great texture—like real key lime pie! Trust me, these are good, and they’re much more goof proof than pie!
Crust
2 c. Blanched Almond Flour
1/3 c. Swerve Brown Sweetener (coconut sugar for Paleo)
¼ tsp. Salt
¼ c. Coconut oil, very soft or melted
1 Egg
Filling
3/4 c. Lime or Key lime juice** (6–8 regular or 20-24 key limes)
4 Eggs
½ c. Powdered Swerve (maple syrup for Paleo)
¼ c. Coconut milk (full fat)***
½ tsp. Vanilla
Zest of one lime
Lime slices for garnish, if desired
Makes 16 servings
Preheat oven to 350˚. Line 9” x 9” baking dish with parchment, with paper extending slightly past edges of baking dish.
Combine almond flour and Swerve Brown Sweetener with a fork. Add remaining crust ingredients and mix well. Press into bottom of dish and little up the sides. Bake for about 18 minutes (edges just starting to turn golden). Prepare filling so that it is ready when crust is done baking.
For filling, whisk together coconut milk and four eggs. If mixture isn’t smooth, blend with an electric mixer or immersion blender. Add lime juice, Swerve Confectioners Sweetener, vanilla, and lime zest. Whisk until blended. When has baked, remove from oven and pour filling over crust. Return to oven for about 20 minutes, or until center appears slightly set, but jiggly.
Allow to cool on counter for 30-45 minutes. Then refrigerate for 2 or more hours before cutting. Enjoy!
*I like using Swerve Brown Sweetener for the crust, because it gives it more of a graham cracker flavor, but you can use regular granulated sweetener as well.
**Key lime juice tastes a little better, but it’s not easy to find organic key limes or juice.
***Canned coconut milks vary greatly. This recipe works best with one with a very smooth, creamy consistency. I like Thai Kitchen, Golden Star, and Arroy-D brands. Some coconut milks are “grainy” or lumpy, which won’t affect the taste, but might not look as good.
Macros for one bar (cut into 16 bars)
Carb count excludes non caloric sweeteners because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols.
Per bar
Calories: 142
Fat: 12g
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 3.75 g
Fiber: 1g
Net carbs: 2.75g
After you’ve tried the recipe, share your pics! Tag me on Instagram @cindy.hilliard.nutrition
Also try my other low carb/keto desserts:
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Keto Chocolate Peanut butter Pie
Low Carb Carrot Cupcakes
Dairy Free Keto Cheesecake Mousse
Keto Gooey Fudge Brownie Bars
Key Lime Pie Bars (Keto or Paleo versions)
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 c. Blanched Almond Flour Coconut sugar for Paleo
- 1/3 c. Swerve Brown Sweetener*
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- 1/4 c. Coconut oil Very soft or melted
- 1 Egg
Filling
- 3/4 c. Lime or Key lime juice** (6–8 regular or 20-24 key limes)
- 1/4 c. Coconut milk (full fat)
- 4 Eggs
- 1/2 c. Powdered Swerve maple syrup for Paleo
- 1/2 tsp. Vanilla
- Zest from 1 lime
Optional garnish
- Lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚. Line 9” x 9” baking dish with parchment, with paper extending slightly past edges of baking dish. Combine almond flour and Swerve Brown Sweetener with a fork. Add remaining crust ingredients and mix well. Press into bottom of dish and little up the sides. Bake for about 16 minutes (edges just starting to turn golden). Prepare filling so that it is ready when crust is done baking.For filling, whisk together coconut milk and remaining four eggs. Add lime juice, Swerve Confectioners Sweetener, vanilla, and lime zest. Whisk until blended. When has baked, remove from oven and pour filling over crust. Return to oven for 18–20 minutes, or until center appears slightly set, but jiggly.Allow to cool on counter for 30–45 minutes. Then refrigerate for 2 or more hours before cutting. Enjoy!
Notes
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Angela Armstrong
21 Feb 2022Do you drain the liquid from the can of full fat coconut milk?
Cindy
27 Feb 2022Hi Angela, You can drain the liquid if you want—it will just make the bars a bit more creamy, but you don’t have to. Just make sure that you mix the coconut milk if it has separated.
—Cindy