These Key Lime Pie Bars are a citrusy dream come true! The combination of a crunchy Biscoff cookie crust, a rich and tangy key lime filling, and a cloud-like layer of homemade whipped cream makes every bite an indulgent yet refreshing experience. The tartness of the key limes balances beautifully with the sweetness of the condensed milk, creating the perfect harmony of flavors.
Whether you’re serving these at a summer gathering or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. Their vibrant lime zest garnish and creamy texture make them not just a delight to eat but also a feast for the eyes. Easy to make and even easier to love, this is a dessert that will transport you straight to the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys with every bite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 (8.8 oz.) package Biscoff cookies
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 tsp. key lime zest
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2/3 cup key lime juice
- Pinch of salt
For the whipped cream:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (or more as desired)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp. sour cream
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, crush the Biscoff cookies until they form fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, forming an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and lime zest on high speed for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat again for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the lime juice and salt with a spatula until fully combined.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- To make the whipped cream, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream, then continue beating until medium peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled bars and refrigerate for another 30 minutes before slicing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 8 hours | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
Kcal: 317 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 bars
Key Lime Pie Bars – A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tart
Key Lime Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that captures the refreshing, citrusy essence of traditional Key Lime Pie in an easy-to-make bar form. These bars are ideal for warm-weather gatherings, holiday desserts, or simply as a way to indulge in a sweet treat with a burst of tangy flavor. Combining a buttery Biscoff cookie crust, a rich and creamy lime-infused filling, and a luscious homemade whipped cream topping, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Unlike a traditional pie, Key Lime Pie Bars are easier to slice and serve, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, and casual get-togethers. Their balance of tartness and sweetness, along with their creamy texture, makes them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re a fan of classic citrus desserts or looking for a new twist on a beloved favorite, these bars offer a unique and delicious experience.
The History and Origin of Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie is a famous dessert with roots in Florida, particularly the Florida Keys. The pie gets its name from the small, highly aromatic Key limes that were once widely cultivated in the region. While the original Key Lime Pie was a simple combination of lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks, modern variations have introduced graham cracker crusts and whipped cream toppings to enhance the flavor and texture.
The history of Key Lime Pie dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Before refrigeration was widespread, canned sweetened condensed milk became a key ingredient in the pie’s development. The acidity from the lime juice naturally thickens the milk and egg mixture without the need for baking, though most modern recipes opt for baking the filling to ensure a firmer texture.
Over time, this beloved dessert has been adapted into different forms, including these Key Lime Pie Bars. The bars offer a portable and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of Key Lime Pie while maintaining the signature combination of tart and sweet.
What Makes These Key Lime Pie Bars Special?
There are several factors that make this recipe stand out from other Key Lime desserts.
1. The Biscoff Cookie Crust
Most Key Lime Pie recipes feature a graham cracker crust, but this version uses Biscoff cookies instead. These spiced, caramelized cookies add a slightly richer flavor and a crispier texture than traditional graham crackers, making them a perfect complement to the creamy filling. The subtle hint of cinnamon and caramel in the crust pairs beautifully with the tart key lime filling, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
2. Authentic Key Lime Flavor
Using fresh Key limes makes all the difference in achieving the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Key limes have a more floral and aromatic flavor compared to regular Persian limes, making them the preferred choice for this dessert. While squeezing fresh Key limes can be a bit tedious, the effort is well worth it for the bright, zesty taste they provide.
3. Creamy and Smooth Texture
The filling is made with egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk, which gives it a silky-smooth consistency. The natural acidity of the lime juice thickens the mixture, creating a custard-like texture that is firm yet creamy. Unlike some Key Lime Pie recipes that use meringue toppings, these bars are finished with a thick layer of homemade whipped cream. This adds an airy, velvety finish that balances the tartness of the lime filling.
4. Easy to Make and Serve
Key Lime Pie Bars eliminate the hassle of slicing a delicate pie. Instead, they can be prepared in an 8×8-inch baking pan and cut into squares for easy serving. This makes them a great choice for entertaining, as they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips for Making the Best Key Lime Pie Bars
While this recipe is simple to follow, a few key tips will help you achieve the best results:
- Use Fresh Key Limes – While bottled Key lime juice is available, fresh juice provides the best flavor. If you can’t find Key limes, you can use regular Persian limes, though the taste will be slightly different.
- Chill for the Best Texture – Allowing the bars to chill for several hours or overnight helps the filling set properly and enhances the flavors.
- Use a Sharp Knife for Slicing – To get clean, even slices, wipe your knife with a damp cloth between cuts.
- Line the Pan with Parchment Paper – This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan and ensures they don’t stick.
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Bars
Key Lime Pie Bars are best served chilled. For a decorative touch, sprinkle extra lime zest on top before serving. You can also garnish with thin lime slices or a drizzle of honey for added presentation.
These bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries, a dollop of additional whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re serving them at a gathering, consider presenting them on a platter with other citrus-based desserts like lemon bars or orange pound cake.
For a tropical twist, serve these bars with a coconut or mango sorbet to enhance their refreshing qualities. The combination of citrus and tropical flavors makes for an unforgettable summer dessert experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Key Lime Pie Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The whipped cream topping holds up well, especially when stabilized with a small amount of sour cream or powdered sugar.
If you want to prepare these bars in advance, you can make the crust and filling a day ahead, then add the whipped cream topping just before serving. This ensures that the whipped cream stays fresh and maintains its airy texture.
While freezing is possible, it is not recommended for the best texture. The filling can become slightly grainy after thawing, and the whipped cream may lose its volume. If you do need to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to one month. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
Key Lime Pie Bars are a delightful variation of the classic Key Lime Pie, offering a portable and easy to serve format without compromising on flavor. The combination of a buttery, caramelized Biscoff crust, a silky smooth lime-infused filling, and a fluffy homemade whipped cream topping creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
This recipe is a fantastic choice for summer gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Key Lime Pie or trying it for the first time, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Their bright citrus flavor, creamy texture, and crisp crust make them an irresistible dessert that transports you straight to the sunny shores of the Florida Keys. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why these Key Lime Pie Bars are a must-have addition to your dessert collection!