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3-Layer Key Lime Pie Bars

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  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A vibrant, creamy, and tangy key lime pie in bar form, featuring a Biscoff-graham cracker crust, a smooth lime filling, and a mascarpone whipped topping, perfect for a refreshing dessert.


Ingredients

  • For the Crust:
  • 1 8.8-ounce package Biscoff cookies
  • ½ cup crushed graham crackers (about half of a sleeve)
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Filling:
  • 6 egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • ⅔ cup key lime juice (or juice from 4 large limes)
  • 2 teaspoons key lime zest
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Mascarpone Whip:
  • 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Lime zest, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 11×7-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make the Crust:
  3. Crush the cookies: In a food processor, combine the Biscoff cookies and graham crackers. Pulse until finely crushed. Alternatively, place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  4. Add the melted butter: Add the melted butter to the crumbs and pulse until combined. The mixture should be sandy and slightly moist.
  5. Press into the pan: Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly into an even layer using a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
  6. Prepare the Filling:
  7. Zest and juice the limes: Zest the limes first, then juice them.
  8. Beat the egg yolks: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the egg yolks and lime zest on high for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened and pale in color.
  9. Add the sweetened condensed milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and beat on high for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is thick and fluffy.
  10. Add lime juice and salt: Turn off the mixer and add the lime juice and a pinch of salt. Stir with a rubber spatula to combine, scraping the sides of the bowl to incorporate any zest stuck to the whisk.
  11. Bake the Filling: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth it into an even layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the center is 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.
  12. Make the Mascarpone Whip:
  13. Whip the mascarpone: In a mixer, beat the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar for 30 seconds until creamy.
  14. Add heavy cream: Gradually add the heavy cream, starting on low speed and increasing the speed until the mixture thickens and forms stiff peaks. Be careful not to overmix, or it may curdle.
  15. Add lime zest: Fold in some lime zest for extra flavor.
  16. Assemble and Serve:
  17. Spread the mascarpone whip: Once the bars have chilled, spread the mascarpone whipped cream over the top in an even layer.
  18. Chill for 30 more minutes: Refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes to allow the layers to set properly.
  19. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with extra lime zest for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Extra Zing: Add a small amount of lime juice (about 1-2 teaspoons) to the mascarpone whip for an extra tangy finish.
  • Make It Vegan: Use a dairy-free alternative for the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream, like coconut cream, for a vegan version.
  • Crust Options: You can use graham cracker crumbs exclusively if you prefer a more classic crust, or even try chocolate cookie crumbs for a unique twist.
  • Add a Crunch: If you like a bit of crunch, top with some toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts for added texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 324
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 93mg