Flavorful Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Delight

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a dessert that perfectly balances tangy and sweet, leaving your taste buds dancing with delight? The Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful brings together the best elements of two beloved desserts into one fantastic treat. Imagine creamy cheesecake layered over a zesty key lime filling, all sitting atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that is sure to impress family and friends alike.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to holiday gatherings. As I recall making these bars for my family’s annual picnic, the vibrant green topping always drew curious eyes, followed by smiles of satisfaction after the first bite. With their refreshing citrus flavor and creamy texture, these cheesecake bars are bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Get ready to indulge in a dessert experience that’s both flavorful and memorable.

Key Ingredients For Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base for your crust; choose finely crushed crumbs for an even texture.

  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust together; use unsalted to control the saltiness.

  • Granulated Sugar: This sweetens both the crust and the filling; opt for fine sugar for better incorporation.

  • Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the cheesecake its rich and creamy texture; ensure it’s at room temperature before mixing.

  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the filling; use full-fat sour cream for optimal flavor.

  • Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice provides authentic tartness; avoid bottled juice for the best flavor.

  • Zest of Key Limes: The zest enhances the citrus aroma and flavor; grate only the green part of the peel.

  • Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better blending into the cheesecake mixture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Second Step : Prepare The Crust

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Third Step : Make The Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, key lime juice, key lime zest, and granulated sugar. Mix until fully incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended.

Fourth Step : Pour And Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in an even layer. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.

Fifth Step : Cool And Chill

Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight to enhance flavor and ensure proper slicing.

Serving Suggestion: To serve, cut into squares and garnish with whipped cream or extra lime zest if desired.

Recipe preparation

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh key limes when possible; they provide superior flavor compared to bottled juice.

  • Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix your filling once you add eggs; this can lead to cracks during baking.

  • Chill Properly: Allowing your cheesecake bars to chill overnight will enhance their flavors significantly.

Presentation Ideas

This Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

  • Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely texture to each bite. You can also add a hint of lime zest for an extra citrus kick.

  • Lime Zest Garnish: Sprinkle some finely grated lime zest on top before serving. This not only adds color but also intensifies the lime flavor, making your dessert visually appealing.

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: For added crunch and a nod to traditional key lime pie, sprinkle some graham cracker crumbs over the bars. This creates an inviting contrast in texture that guests will love.

Storage Tips

To keep your Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These bars can last up to five days when properly stored. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat anytime.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful dining experience, serve your Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful with a side of tropical fruit salad or coconut sorbet. The freshness of fruits like mango or pineapple complements the tangy cheesecake bars perfectly. Pairing these bars with a refreshing mint tea or lemonade can enhance their flavor while providing a cooling effect on hot days.

Nutritional Information

These Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful are not only delicious but also provide some nutritional benefits. Each bar typically contains essential nutrients from cream cheese and lime juice, including calcium and vitamin C. However, moderation is key due to the sugar content and calories involved. Enjoy these bars as an indulgent treat rather than an everyday snack for balanced nutrition.

FAQs

What makes this recipe flavorful?

The Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful stands out due to its perfect balance of tartness from fresh key lime juice and creaminess from the cream cheese layer. The graham cracker crust adds crunch and sweetness that complements the rich filling beautifully. Using fresh ingredients enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite memorable.

Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

Yes, you can use regular limes if key limes are unavailable. While key limes offer a unique tartness that defines traditional recipes, regular limes can still deliver excellent flavor. Just keep in mind that regular limes may be slightly less sweet, so adjust your sugar levels accordingly when preparing this Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful.

How do I know when my cheesecake bars are done baking?

To check if your Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe Flavorful is done baking, look for slight firmness around the edges while the center remains slightly jiggly. The bars will continue to set as they cool down outside of the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry cheesecake, so it’s essential to monitor closely during the final minutes of baking.

Can I add other flavors to this cheesecake recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights key lime flavor, you can experiment by incorporating other flavors into your cheesecake mixture or crust. Consider adding crushed berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist or infusing coconut for a tropical flair. Just remember that any additional ingredients should complement the tangy essence of the original recipe for best results.

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Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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  • Author: julia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 12 bars 1x

Description

Indulge in the delicious fusion of tangy key lime and creamy cheesecake with these Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a luscious key lime cheesecake filling. Each bite delivers a refreshing burst of citrus flavor balanced by smooth creaminess, making them an instant favorite at your gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
  • ½ cup fresh key lime juice
  • Zest of 2 key limes
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar until combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
  3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sour cream, key lime juice, zest, and remaining sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended.
  4. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
  5. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight before slicing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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