Creamy Key Lime Yogurt Bars with a Graham Cracker Crust
These luscious Creamy Key Lime Yogurt Bars offer a delightful blend of tangy key lime juice and smooth, creamy yogurt all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Sweetened with Splenda, this guilt-free dessert ensures you can indulge without the added sugar! Perfect for warm days or special occasions, these bars are refreshing and a crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends asking for the recipe. Chill them in the freezer for a deliciously cold treat that's easy to prepare and even easier to share.
9
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham crackers
8 whole (Crushed)
Splenda granular, sugar substitute
1/4 cup (For crust mixture)
Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (For crust mixture)
Margarine
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Splenda granular, sugar substitute
1 1/2 cups (For filling)
Key lime juice
1/3 cup (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Plain low-fat yogurt
2 cups (Unflavored)
Frozen light whipped dessert topping
1 cup (Thawed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your freezer by preparing the baking dish. Spray an 8" x 8" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
2
Take the graham crackers and crush them thoroughly, saving 2 tablespoons for later. You can use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup of Splenda, ground cinnamon, and melted margarine. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
4
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Set aside.
5
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of Splenda and the key lime juice. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is reduced by half.
6
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, stir in the plain low-fat yogurt until fully blended.
7
Gently fold the thawed whipped dessert topping into the yogurt mixture until well incorporated.
8
Spoon the yogurt mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing it out to create an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top for added texture.
9
Cover the baking dish and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the bars are firm.
10
Before serving, let the bars stand at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, making them easier to cut into squares. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Key Lime Yogurt Bars?
They are a refreshing frozen dessert featuring a tangy key lime and yogurt filling on a crunchy graham cracker crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 9 servings.
What is the primary sweetener used in these bars?
The recipe is sweetened with Splenda granular sugar substitute.
What type of yogurt is required for this recipe?
You should use 2 cups of plain low-fat unflavored yogurt.
How long do the bars need to freeze?
The bars should be frozen for at least 4 hours or until firm.
What size baking dish should be used?
An 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish is recommended.
How much key lime juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed or bottled key lime juice.
Do I need to bake the crust?
No, this is a no-bake recipe where the crust is pressed and then frozen with the filling.
How should I prepare the graham crackers?
Crush 8 whole graham crackers thoroughly using a food processor or a rolling pin.
Should I save any graham cracker crumbs for the top?
Yes, reserve 2 tablespoons of the crushed crackers to sprinkle on top before freezing.
What is the purpose of simmering the lime juice and Splenda?
Simmering reduces the mixture by half to create a concentrated lime syrup for the filling.
What type of fat is used in the graham cracker crust?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted margarine.
Can I use frozen whipped topping?
Yes, you need 1 cup of light whipped dessert topping that has been thawed.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Spray the dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
What spices are included in the crust?
The crust includes 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much Splenda is used in the crust specifically?
The crust uses 1/4 cup of Splenda granular.
How much Splenda is used in the filling?
The filling requires 1 1/2 cups of Splenda granular.
Is it necessary to cool the lime syrup before adding yogurt?
Yes, let the reduced lime juice mixture cool for a few minutes before stirring in the yogurt.
How do I incorporate the whipped topping into the mixture?
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the yogurt and lime mixture until well blended.
How can I make the bars easier to cut?
Let the bars stand at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before cutting into squares.
Is this a low-calorie dessert option?
Yes, it is designed as a lighter treat using sugar substitutes and low-fat yogurt.
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes, though key limes provide a more distinct tart flavor, regular lime juice is a suitable substitute.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is smooth and creamy due to the combination of yogurt and whipped topping.
Should I cover the dish while it freezes?
Yes, cover the baking dish before placing it in the freezer.
How do I ensure the crust is firm?
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish to form an even layer.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for warm weather?
Yes, its frozen and citrusy nature makes it perfect for warm days.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be substituted for margarine in the crust mixture.
How do I avoid a messy removal of the bars?
Using non-stick spray and allowing the bars to sit for a moment before cutting helps prevent sticking.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Any remaining bars should be kept in the freezer to maintain their shape and texture.