Serpent's Kiss Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the luscious and zesty Serpent's Kiss Key Lime Cheesecake Bars, an enchanting twist on a classic dessert that embodies ambition and charm. Each velvety bite reveals a vibrant balance of creamy cheesecake and lively lime flavors, creating a dessert that is both refreshing and secretly sophisticated. Topped with whimsical edible snakes and a hint of shimmer, these bars are perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or a touch of everyday luxury. Unleash your inner ambition with every delightful morsel!
9
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (measured)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (measured)
unsalted butter
3/4 cup (softened)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
super black gel food coloring
3 teaspoons (measured)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sweetened condensed milk
1 (14-ounce) can (opened)
lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
lime extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
electric green gel food coloring
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
white candy melts
1 cup (measured)
edible silver metallic spray
to decorate (for finishing)
mini green M&M candies
1 1/2 cups (for decoration)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9 inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there's some overhang for easy removal. Spray the parchment with nonstick spray.
2
In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, and black gel food coloring. Pulse until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
3
Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then allow it to cool in the pan for an additional 15 minutes.
4
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk, followed by the lime juice, lime extract, and the green gel food coloring until well combined.
5
Pour the creamy mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. Once done, cool for 30 minutes at room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until chilled.
6
While the bars cool, prepare the white candy melts. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Transfer the melted candy to a piping bag.
7
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe out 9 snake shapes, approximately 2 inches tall. Use a toothpick to shape and refine the snakes as desired. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes until fully set.
8
Once the snake decorations are dry, lightly spray them with the edible silver metallic spray for a charming finish. Allow to dry completely.
9
Once the cheesecake bars are fully chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut them into 9 equal squares (3x3).
10
To enhance the presentation, gently press mini green M&M's into the top of each bar in offset rows to create a snake-like pattern.
11
Finally, pipe a small amount of melted chocolate onto the back of each snake and position them in the center of the bars. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Serpent's Kiss Key Lime Cheesecake Bars?
These are a zesty and creamy dessert featuring a vibrant lime cheesecake filling on a dark black crust, decorated with edible silver snakes and green M&M's.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to produce 9 equal square bars.
What is the recommended pan size for these bars?
You should use a 9x9 inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the crust and the filling.
How do I create the black crust?
The crust is made by pulsing flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, and super black gel food coloring in a food processor until it forms a crumbly dough.
How long does the crust need to bake?
Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then allow it to cool in the pan for another 15 minutes before adding the filling.
What ingredients are in the lime cheesecake filling?
The filling consists of softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, freshly squeezed lime juice, lime extract, and electric green gel food coloring.
How long do the cheesecake bars bake?
Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes or until the cheesecake is set.
How long should the bars chill before serving?
Cool the bars at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
How do I make the edible snake decorations?
Pipe melted white candy melts into 2-inch snake shapes on parchment paper, let them set in the fridge, and then spray them with edible silver metallic spray.
What is the purpose of the mini green M&M's?
The M&M's are pressed into the top of the chilled bars in offset rows to create a snake-like scale pattern.
How do I attach the silver snakes to the bars?
Pipe a small amount of melted chocolate onto the back of each silver snake and press them into the center of the bars.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
How do I ensure the bars come out of the pan easily?
Line the pan with parchment paper with an overhang on the sides and spray it with nonstick spray.
What kind of food coloring is best for this recipe?
Gel food coloring is best for achieving the deep black and vibrant green colors without altering the consistency of the batter.
What should the texture of the crust mixture be?
The crust should be a crumbly dough when it comes out of the food processor before being pressed into the pan.
How should I cut the bars?
Once fully chilled, lift the cheesecake out using the parchment paper and cut it into a 3x3 grid to create 9 squares.
Do I need a stand mixer for the filling?
A stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is recommended to ensure the cream cheese is beaten until fluffy and smooth.
How do I melt the white candy melts?
Microwave them in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth.
Can I substitute the lime extract?
The lime extract enhances the citrus flavor, but if unavailable, you can add extra lime zest or slightly more lime juice.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and freshness.
How do I get the snake shapes right?
Use a toothpick to help shape and refine the piped candy melts into more detailed snake figures before they set.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making a day in advance as they require significant chilling time to set properly.
What makes this recipe 'Slytherin' themed?
The combination of green and silver colors, along with the snake motifs, embodies the ambitious and charming aesthetic associated with the house.
How much lime juice is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Is the silver spray safe to eat?
Yes, make sure to use an edible silver metallic spray specifically labeled for food use.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese.
What happens if I don't chill the bars long enough?
The cheesecake may be too soft to cut into clean squares and the M&M decoration might not stay in place as well.
How much butter is used in the crust?
You will need 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients used in this recipe, ranging from basic baking staples to decorative elements.