Zesty Key Lime Bliss Cheesecake Bars
These Zesty Key Lime Bliss Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy and tangy, creating a delightful dessert experience that will tantalize your taste buds. With a buttery, nutty crust that perfectly complements the smooth cheesecake filling, every bite is a refreshing burst of key lime flavor. This recipe has been lovingly refined over the years to achieve the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness, making it an unforgettable addition to your dessert table. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests, these cheesecake bars are sure to become a favorite in your household!
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
crushed graham wafer crumbs
1/2 cup (Crush graham wafers into fine crumbs.)
crushed vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup (Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs.)
ground blanched almonds
1/4 cup (Finely grind blanched almonds.)
butter
1/4 cup (Melted butter, softened at room temperature.)
cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened to room temperature.)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (Regular granulated sugar.)
large egg
1 (At room temperature.)
grated lime zest
2 teaspoons (Freshly grated lime peel.)
key lime juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed key lime juice.)
tapioca starch
1 tablespoon (Or substitute with cornstarch.)
Instructions
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Crust Preparation:
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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham wafers, crushed vanilla wafers, and ground blanched almonds.
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3. Use a pastry blender or fork to cut in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly and resembles wet sand.
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4. Grease a 9-inch x 9-inch oven-proof casserole dish with cooking spray.
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5. Firmly press the wafer mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish, ensuring an even layer.
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6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
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Filling Preparation:
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7. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
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8. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well blended.
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9. Add the egg, lime juice, lime zest, and tapioca starch. Beat until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
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10. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
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11. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges slightly puff up.
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12. Allow to cool on a wire rack for about 1 hour.
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13. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing into 36 squares.
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14. If desired, garnish the top with slices of fresh lime, halved strawberries, or quartered maraschino cherries for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
12g
Carbs
2g
Protein
6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Key Lime Bliss Cheesecake Bars?
These are a creamy and tangy dessert featuring a buttery, nutty crust and a smooth cheesecake filling infused with fresh key lime flavor.
How many squares does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields 36 individual cheesecake squares.
What ingredients make up the crust?
The crust is made from a combination of crushed graham wafer crumbs, crushed vanilla wafer crumbs, ground blanched almonds, and softened butter.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9-inch x 9-inch oven-proof casserole dish is required for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the crust need to bake?
The crust should be baked for 15 minutes until it is lightly golden and fragrant.
Can I substitute the tapioca starch?
Yes, if you do not have tapioca starch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cornstarch.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
What type of lime juice is best for this recipe?
Freshly squeezed key lime juice is recommended for the best flavor balance.
How many calories are in one cheesecake bar?
Each bar contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in each bar?
Each serving contains 6 grams of sugar.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each bar has 12 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in these bars?
There are 2 grams of protein per bar.
How do I prepare the filling?
Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add the egg, lime juice, lime zest, and starch before pouring over the crust.
How long should the bars chill before slicing?
The bars should cool on a wire rack for 1 hour and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 additional hour.
What should the consistency of the crust mixture be?
The mixture should be crumbly and resemble wet sand after cutting in the butter.
How long do the bars bake once the filling is added?
The cheesecake bars should bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is set and the edges puff up.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the bars with fresh lime slices, halved strawberries, or quartered maraschino cherries.
Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease the dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I use regular granulated sugar?
Yes, regular granulated sugar is used for the cheesecake filling.
How much lime zest is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lime zest.
Do the ingredients need to be at room temperature?
Yes, the cream cheese, butter, and egg should be at room temperature for optimal blending.
What equipment is recommended for mixing?
An electric mixer is recommended for beating the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for summer events?
Yes, its refreshing citrus flavor makes it perfect for summer gatherings.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of key lime juice.
What kind of nuts are used in the crust?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of ground blanched almonds.
Are these bars easy to make?
Yes, this is considered an easy recipe that yields delicious results.
How much butter is in the crust?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of softened butter.
What is the texture of the finished bars?
The bars have a buttery, nutty crunch on the bottom with a smooth and creamy cheesecake top.