Tangy Key Lime Cream Bars
Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic Key Lime Pie with these Tangy Key Lime Cream Bars. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, offering a creamy filling that's less tart than traditional versions. Made with a nutty granola and almond crust, infused with refreshing lime juice and creamy layers of reduced-calorie ingredients, these bars are a guilt-free treat perfect for warm weather gatherings or a light dessert option. Best of all, they require no extensive chilling time, making them a quick and delicious choice to satisfy your citrus cravings!
N/A
Servings
183
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granola cereal
1 cup (no dried fruit)
Sliced almonds
1/2 cup
Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (about 10 crackers, crushed)
Butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
Splenda sugar substitute
4 tablespoons
Reduced calorie cream cheese
8 ounces
Fat-free sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces
Lime juice
1/3 cup
Large egg yolks
3
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
2. For the crust, combine the granola and sliced almonds in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. In a bowl, mix the ground mixture with graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and Splenda until well combined.
3
3. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish. Save 1/4 cup of the mixture for later topping if desired. Bake for 10 minutes or until the crust is golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
4
4. For the bottom layer filling, blend the reduced-calorie cream cheese, fat-free sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
5
5. Bake at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let it cool to room temperature after baking.
6
6. For the top layer, mix the additional sweetened condensed milk and lime juice in a bowl, then spread evenly over the cooled filling.
7
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the bars to firm up.
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8. Before serving, sprinkle the reserved granola and crumbs over the top for added texture.
Nutrition Information
7
Fat
25
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tangy Key Lime Cream Bars?
They are a delightful twist on classic Key Lime Pie, featuring a creamy filling that is less tart than traditional versions, served on a nutty granola and almond crust.
What ingredients are used to make the crust?
The crust is made from a blend of granola cereal (without dried fruit), sliced almonds, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and Splenda sugar substitute.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 183 calories.
What is the fat content of these bars?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each bar provides 2.5 grams of protein.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake the crust?
The crust should be baked for 10 minutes or until it becomes golden.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
What ingredients are in the bottom layer filling?
The bottom filling consists of reduced-calorie cream cheese, fat-free sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
How long should the filling be baked?
The filling should be baked for 20-25 minutes or until it is set.
What is the top layer made of?
The top layer is a simple mixture of fat-free sweetened condensed milk and lime juice.
How long do the bars need to refrigerate?
The bars should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the bars to firm up.
Can I use regular sugar instead of Splenda?
Yes, but using Splenda helps maintain the reduced-calorie profile of the original recipe.
What type of granola is best for the crust?
Use a granola cereal that does not contain any dried fruit.
How many egg yolks are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 large egg yolks.
How much lime juice is required for the filling?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of lime juice in the bottom layer filling.
What should I do with the reserved granola and crumbs?
Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of granola and crumbs over the top of the bars just before serving for added texture.
How many graham crackers do I need?
You will need about 10 crackers to yield 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs.
Is there vanilla in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are blended into the filling.
How do I prepare the almonds and granola?
Combine them in a food processor and pulse until they are coarsely ground.
Are these bars suitable for a summer dessert?
Absolutely, they are a refreshing citrus treat that is perfect for warm weather gatherings.
What type of cream cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies 8 ounces of reduced-calorie cream cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients.
Does this recipe require a long chilling time?
While it needs 4 hours to firm up, the recipe is described as a quick choice compared to traditional cheesecakes or pies.
Can I substitute the almonds?
You can likely substitute other nuts or skip them, though they contribute to the unique nutty texture of the crust.
Is the sweetened condensed milk fat-free?
Yes, the recipe uses 14 ounces of fat-free sweetened condensed milk.
Should the crust be cooled before adding the filling?
Yes, allow the crust to cool after its initial 10-minute bake before pouring the filling over it.
What is the serving size for these bars?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the recipe is prepared in a standard 9x13 inch pan.
How do I know when the filling is finished baking?
The filling is done when it appears set after approximately 20 to 25 minutes of baking.