Vegan Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe (Keto, Gluten-Free & Healthy)
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Time to read: 11 min
Vegan Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe (Keto, Gluten-Free & Healthy)
20 min
35-40 min
16 servings
Bars
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Healthy Key Lime Bar Recipe Recommended products for the best sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan banana bread Detoxed vs. Regular Key Lime Pie Bars - Nutrients Breakdown How Do Our Healthy Key Lime Pie Bars Benefit Your Body? How I Crafted the Perfect Vegan, Gluten, and Sugar-Free Key Lime Bars Recipe The Best Ingredients & Substitutions for Perfect Key Lime Bars Try Our Gluten-free, Vegan, Paleo AND Keto Baking System Step-by-step: How to make sugar-free and gluten-free key lime pie bars How to store your vegan key lime pie bars for maximum shelf-life How to make your Vegan Key Lime Pie Bars stand out Tips for Making the Best Key Lime Pie Bars FAQ Recipe Card: Vegan Key Lime Pie Bars (Healthy, keto & gluten-free) Nutritional Information for Key Lime Pie Bars Explore more recipes
Why You Will Love This Healthy Key Lime Bars Recipe
If you love all things tangy, you’re going to be obsessed with this key lime bar recipe. Turning lime pie into ‘bars’ is a genius move—they’re easy to grab, look adorable, and help you be mindful of portion sizes.
There’s something about this dessert that makes you want to jump with joy. I’m guessing it has something to do with the sharp lime tang and floral aroma that only comes from Key Limes.
Key limes have a much more intense flavor than regular limes. I have blended this tangy flavor with creamy yogurt for a balanced, sweet taste. Plus, the crumbly shortbread crust makes a perfect base to support this mischievous lime custard. Here’s why this recipe should be part of your next baking session:
- Tangy and Sweet - Pairing key lime’s tangy flavor with the creaminess of Greek yogurt and avocado creates the best blend of tastes you will ever try.
- Cut-down on Calories - Surprise, surprise. These detoxed key lime bars have HALF the calories than the same portion of its traditional version.
- Fuss-Free and Easy - This recipe is simple to follow. You only need a blender, a bowl, and an oven to enjoy this zesty, sweet delight.
- Keto & Vegan Friendly - My Detox Swaps create low-carb, dairy-free lime pie bars that everyone on the earth can indulge in guilt-free.
- Healthy Fats Only - Unlike the sugary ones, these healthy key lime bars are cholesterol-free and packed with Omega-3 and -6 fats for a wholesome, healthy treat.
Detoxed vs. Regular Key Lime Pie Bars - Nutrients Breakdown
How Do Our Healthy Key Lime Pie Bars Benefit Your Body?
Fats
Our detoxed recipe uses ripe avocado, a rich source of Omega-3 and Omega-9 fatty acids with powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, all of our Swaps are completely free of trans fats and cholesterol, supporting a heart-healthy dietary pattern
Protein
Our Egg Swap has 50% more protein than an egg without cholesterol or allergy triggers. The Grain-Free Flour and Butter Swaps also contain more protein than regular flour and butter. The Swap ingredients work together to provide a balanced macronutrient dessert that will nourish and satisfy the body.
Fiber
The soluble plant fiber coming from the whole psyllium husk in our Flour Swaps provides digestive benefits. It keeps you full while feeding your friendly gut bacteria. Psyllium also binds toxins in your intestines and helps clear them from the body, promoting detoxification. Together with Inulin, it slows down digestion and helps provide more blood sugar stability throughout the day.
Carbs and Sugar
Each serving of these gluten-free lime bars has only 3g of net carbs. This amount is ideal for keeping your body in ketosis and optimizing metabolism. Also, the recipe is sugar-free, gluten-free, and suitable for people dealing with diabetes or insulin resistance. Our Grain-Free Flour Swap will create a low-carb, Keto, and Paleo version that's both delicious and healthy.
How I Crafted the Perfect Vegan, Gluten, and Sugar-Free Key Lime Bars Recipe
Although I used many of the same ingredients found in traditional Key lime pie, this recipe is not a simple 1:1 swap. It takes one to know the Sweet Swap ingredients well. I always recommend using our recipe index when getting started with the Swaps.
Key lime pie is many people’s favorite dessert, so I knew I needed a winning recipe that sits well with health freaks, too. I referenced a 5-star recipe from pro baker and blogger Jenn Segal. I replaced the sweetened condensed milk with ripe avocado and a few tablespoons of Flour Swap but kept the yogurt, lime juice, and zest. I also replaced the traditional graham cracker crust with the healthy and equally delish shortbread crust I use for most Detox Desserts pies.
Sweetened condensed milk is an easy way to add sweet creaminess to desserts. But it’s simply dairy and sugar. I used a ripe avocado and plant-based yogurt (or Greek Yogurt) to add an equal amount of creaminess in this healthy dairy-free key lime bars recipe. The combination of whole-food ingredients creates a decadent filling that works beautifully in our gluten-free lime bars!
Choosing Between Whole-Grain vs Grain-Free Flour Swap
I made these Key Lime bars gluten free with both Whole-Grain and Grain-Free Flour Swaps, and the results were equally amazing. The Whole-Grain bars will have a few extra healthy carbs and a hearty, earthy flavor. The Grain-Free version will create low-carb or Keto Lime bars with a perfectly crumbly shortbread crust and a mild nutty flavor. The best idea would be to stay middle ground and use both swaps in equal parts for balanced carbs and perfect texture.
You can try this easy method to select the best Flour Swap for a balanced macronutrient meal. If your meal consists of just protein and veggies, I recommend eating Whole-Grain Swap lime bars to serve as a healthy carb source. However, if your meal already has a good carb source, choose the Grain-Free Swap so you don’t overeat carbs.
Easy, right?!
The Best Ingredients & Substitutions for Perfect Key Lime Bars
The fresh lime juice in these bars provides a powerful dose of Vitamin C and citric acid, both of which have strong health properties. Vitamin C helps prevent anemia by increasing iron absorption from the food you eat. It is also important for cardiovascular health, collagen production, and wound healing.
Citric acid in Lime helps prevent kidney stone formation by binding excess salts and minerals in the urine. It also increases urine volume and pH, both of which help create an unfavorable environment for kidney stones to develop.
Key Ingredients of a traditional Key Lime Pie:
- Graham Crackers
- Brown Sugar
- Butter
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Greek Yogurt
- Lime Zest
- Lime Juice
- Salt
Key Ingredients of a Detox Desserts* Key Lime Pie:
- Whole-Grain or Grain-Free Flour Swap: (use Grain-Free Swap for Paleo/Keto version): Our gluten-free, high fiber, healthy flour substitute.
- Butter Swap: Our whole food, plant-based butter substitute that bakes and tastes like butter with added health benefits
- Egg Swap: Our vegan egg substitute that contains 50% more protein than an egg, added prebiotics for digestive support and NO cholesterol.
- Granular Sugar Swap: Our zero-calorie, zero-carb, naturally sweetened sugar substitute formulated with prebiotics to support healthy digestion.
- Plant-based yogurt or Organic Greek Yogurt for added protein (unflavored/unsweetened)
- Lime Zest (use organic, unwaxed limes to avoid unwanted pesticides and additives)
- Lime Juice (freshly squeezed lime juice is best but organic bottled will work in a pinch)
- Vanilla Extract (it balances the lime flavor in my opinion)
- Salt
- Baking Powder
Try Our Gluten-free, Vegan, Paleo AND Keto Baking System
Step-by-step: How to make sugar-free and gluten-free key lime pie bars
Shortbread Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup Whole-Grain or Grain-Free Flour Swap (use Grain-Free for Paleo/Keto version)
- ½ cup Granular Sugar Swap (plus 1 Tbsp for topping)
- ½ cup Butter Swap
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 teaspoons hot water (to crumbly consistency)
Key Lime Pie Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened plant yogurt or Greek Yogurt (I used non-fat, high-protein, organic Greek Yogurt)
- 1 small ripe avocado
- 1 cup Granular Sugar Swap
- ¾ cup Key lime or regular lime juice (about 8-10 fresh limes)
- Zest from 2 limes
- 6 Tablespoons Grain-Free or Whole-Grain Flour Swap
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9x9” square baking pan with parchment paper or grease a 9.5” pie dish well.
2. Make the crust by mixing the flour, sugar and salt together. Then add the Butter Swap and 1 teaspoon of hot water. Mix until ingredients are well incorporated and crumbly dough consistency is achieved. Add a little more hot water if needed. The dough should stick together when pressed.
3. Press the dough evenly into your parchment lined baking tray. Bake for 6-8 minutes until the crust starts to turn slightly golden in color, watching closely. Remove from the oven to cool while you make the Key lime filling.
4. Place all the Key lime filling ingredients into a high speed blender. Blend on high for about a minute until smooth and creamy. Stop the blender and stir a couple times if needed for a perfectly smooth consistency. Pour the filling on top of your par-baked crust and smooth the top.
5. Return to the oven and bake for 35-40 more minutes, until the edges are barely golden.
6. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack until room temperature.
7. Transfer to the fridge to sit overnight before slicing and serving. Top with coconut whipped cream and a thin slice of lime for a more sophisticated presentation
8. Store your healthy Key lime pie covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or wrap tightly in the freezer for long term storage.
For best taste, texture and health benefits, refrigerate all Detox Desserts* overnight before indulging. Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How to store your vegan key lime pie bars for maximum shelf-life
Store your healthy vegan Key lime pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For long term storage, wrap tightly and freeze. These bars are wonderful straight out of the freezer, so don’t hesitate to keep a stash tucked away to satisfy your future lime cravings;)
Tips for Making the Best Key Lime Pie Bars
Make sure you pick out firm, organic limes with fresh peels. They are easier to zest and free from pesticides.
Freshly squeezed lime juice tastes best. Organic bottled lime juice also works fine but it’s slightly more bitter.
I highly recommend using Key lime juice rather than regular lime juice in this recipe because they are naturally more tangy and have a subtle floral aroma.
Make sure your Butter Swap is well stirred and at room temperature before making your shortbread crust. Oil separation is normal in the Butter Swap. If you’re having trouble stirring it, pour it into a high-speed blender, and it will stay smooth for a couple of months.
Add water slowly to your buttery shortbread crust until it’s crumbly but sticks together well. Too much water will prevent the crust from baking properly, rendering it more soft than crumbly…boo!
Press the shortbread evenly into your parchment-lined baking pan. Take your time here because you want the crust to bake evenly and hold together when cooled.
Watch your crust ATTENTIVELY during the last couple minutes of the par-bake, it can quickly get over-baked and burn. Remove it as soon as it barely starts to turn golden in color.
Make sure to blend your pie filling until completely smooth. You might need to turn off the blender, stir, and reblend to ensure the Flour Swap is broken down and the avocado is completely smooth.
Don’t be tempted to dig into these bars before they’ve sat in the fridge overnight. The overnight refrigeration sets them firmly and also slows down carbohydrate absorption, making them tastier and healthier…weird, but it works!
Recipe Card: Vegan Key Lime Pie Bars (Healthy, keto & gluten-free)
| Prep Time | Bake Time | Total Time |
| 20 minutes | 35-40 minutes | 55-60 minutes |
Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 120 cal
Although not guaranteed, we have gone above and beyond to provide you with the most accurate nutritional information for this recipe.
Shortbread Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup Whole-Grain or Grain-Free Flour Swap (use Grain-Free for Paleo/Keto version)
- ½ cup Granular Sugar Swap
- ½ cup Butter Swap
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 teaspoons hot water (to crumbly consistency)
Key Lime Pie Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened plant yogurt or Greek Yogurt (I used non-fat, high-protein, organic Greek Yogurt)
- 1 small ripe avocado
- 1 cup Granular Sugar Swap
- ¾ cup Key lime or regular lime juice (about 8-10 fresh limes)
- Zest from 2 limes
- 6 Tablespoons Grain-Free or Whole-Grain Flour Swap
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9x9” square baking pan with parchment paper or grease a 9.5” pie dish well.
2. Make the crust by mixing the flour, sugar and salt together. Then add the Butter Swap and 1 teaspoon of hot water. Mix until ingredients are well incorporated and crumbly dough consistency is achieved. Add a little more hot water if needed. The dough should stick together when pressed.
3. Press the dough evenly into your parchment lined baking tray. Bake for 6-8 minutes until the crust starts to turn slightly golden in color, watching closely. Remove from the oven to cool while you make the Key lime filling.
4. Place all the Key lime filling ingredients into a high speed blender. Blend on high for about a minute until smooth and creamy. Stop the blender and stir a couple times if needed for a perfectly smooth consistency. Pour the filling on top of your par-baked crust and smooth the top.
5. Return to the oven and bake for 35-40 more minutes, until the edges are barely golden.
6. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack until room temperature.
7. Transfer to the fridge to sit overnight before slicing and serving. Top with coconut whipped cream and a thin slice of lime for a more sophisticated presentation.
8. Store your healthy Key lime pie covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or wrap tightly in the freezer for long term storage.
For best taste, texture and health benefits, refrigerate all Detox Desserts overnight before indulging.
Recommended Products
Nutritional Information for Key Lime Pie Bars
*An important note on carbs
Net carbohydrates are the sum total of carbohydrates that convert into glucose (therefore raise blood sugar) in the body. Anyone following a keto or diabetic diet should count net carbs NOT total carbs. To determine net carbs, simply subtract the fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrates on the nutrition label. Sugar alcohols are considered "carbs" for nutrition labeling purposes but our cells can't use them as energy which renders them inert in the human body. Thus, they are reduced from the total carb count. Fiber also counts towards the total carbohydrates for labeling purposes, but it is roughage. It stays in the intestines, doesn't absorb and isn't used as energy or converted to glucose in the body. Thus, fiber is also reduced from the total carbohydrate count. Anyone who counts macronutrients (carbs, fats, protein) should always count net carbs, not total carbs.
We love your feedback, please make sure to comment and share your experience with this recipe for vegan, gluten-free and keto key lime pie bars with the healthy baking community!
Cheers to your delicious health,
-Dr. Alexis
