Key Lime Pie Bars
User Reviews
4.8
Key Lime Pie Bars
Description
The dessert features a base of crushed Biscoff cookies combined with melted butter to form a sandy, firm crust that bakes briefly until set. The filling blends egg yolks whipped with key lime zest, fresh key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a pinch of salt for contrast. Beating the yolks with zest until thick ensures a light but dense custard texture.
Once baked, the tart citrus notes from the key lime juice and zest cut through the sweetness for balance. The bars are topped with a whipped cream mixture including heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and sour cream, which adds richness and a smooth finish.
These bars offer a handheld variation of classic key lime pie, suitable for serving chilled as a refreshing dessert. Using fresh key limes is recommended for authentic flavor, though Persian limes may be substituted if necessary.
The recipe suggests variations in the crust, such as graham crackers, and notes proper storage in the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1, .8 oz. (250g) package Biscoff cookies
- 5 Tbsp. butter unsalted and melted
For the filling
- 3 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 tsp. key lime zest
- 1, oz. can sweetened condensed milk
- 2/3 cup key lime juice
- salt pinch
Whipped cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar plus more as desired
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 Tbsp. sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Add the Biscoff cookies to a food processor and process until crushed and relatively smooth, stream in the melted butter and pulse until combined. It will look a little coarse and sandy but will come together perfectly for the crust. (If you don't own a food processor, you can put the Biscoff cookies in an airtight bag and pulverize into crumbs using a heavy-bottomed skillet or a rolling pin).
- Pour into the prepared pan and press into an even layer with a flat bottomed glass or measuring cup.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside while you make the filling.
- Zest the limes, and juice the limes.
- Beat the yolks and zest on high speed with the whisk attachment on an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes. It will slightly thicken and resemble a Hollandaise sauce.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat again on high speed for 1-2 minutes. It will now begin to look thicker and have more volume.
- Turn the mixer off. Add in the lime juice and pinch of salt and stir with a rubber spatula just until combined. Be sure to get any zest that may have stuck to the whisk attachment and stir it back into the filling so it doesn’t go to waste!
- Pour the filling onto the crust and smooth out the top.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the center is mostly set, but with a slight jiggle. A little wobbly in the center is OK!
- Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Homemade whipped cream note: This makes a lot of whipped cream for a thick layer on top which I love! If you want less, only use 1 cup whipped cream and a little less powdered sugar. Using a hand held mixer or electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks begin to form, about 1-2 minutes. Then add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and sour cream and beat until medium peaks form or desired consistency is reached. Taste and add more powdered sugar if needed.
- Spread the whipped cream on top of the chilled key lime pie bars in an even layer. Place back in the fridge for another 30 minutes prior to slicing. Garnish with more zest on top, and enjoy!
Notes
- If fresh key limes are unavailable, Persian limes can be used though flavor varies; avoid bottled lime juice for best taste.
- Bottled key lime juice may be used as a substitute but can be slightly bitter compared to fresh juice.
- Graham cracker crust is an acceptable alternative, adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance warmth in the crust flavor.
- Store finished bars in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 317 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1bar | |
| Calories | 317kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Sodium | 158mg | 7% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
| Vitamin A | 7IU | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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