Description
These Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the tart, refreshing flavor of key lime with a creamy cheesecake filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want a zesty, no-fail dessert treat, these bars are easy to prepare and delightful to serve with optional whipped cream and lime slices for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- â…“ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Lime slices
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form your crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency. Stir in the sour cream, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the slightly cooled graham crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set but still maintains a slight jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set the cheesecake bars for clean slicing.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake bars from the pan. Slice into 9 bars. Optionally garnish with whipped cream and lime slices before serving for an elegant presentation and extra citrus flavor.
Notes
- For a stronger lime flavor, increase the lime zest to 1½ tablespoons.
- If key lime juice is unavailable, regular lime juice can be substituted with good results.
- For easier slicing, freeze the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
