Zesty Key Lime Cream Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the bright flavors of the tropics with these Zesty Key Lime Cream Cheesecake Bars! With a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious, creamy filling infused with the tangy essence of key limes, these bars are a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and zest. Ideal for gatherings, picnics, or a refreshing treat on a warm day, these bars are sure to impress with their vibrant flavors and velvety texture. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they are a must-try for any cheesecake lover!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 cup (for the crust)
Graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (for the crust)
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (for the crust)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (for the crust)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for the crust)
Large eggs
4 (beaten)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Sweetened condensed milk
1 (14-ounce) can (for the filling)
Key lime juice
3/4 cup (for the filling)
Lime zest
1 1/2 teaspoons (for the filling)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (for the filling)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (for the filling)
Confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons (for dusting the cooled bars)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
3
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13x9x2 inch baking pan, creating a uniform crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
4
While the crust is baking, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until it becomes light and fluffy.
5
Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, lime zest, and key lime juice to the cream cheese, beating until the mixture is well combined and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
6
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of flour and salt until just incorporated—be careful not to overmix.
7
Remove the crust from the oven and pour the creamy filling over the hot crust, spreading it evenly.
8
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is just set and a slight jiggle remains in the center.
9
Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing them into squares.
10
Before serving, dust the cooled bars with confectioners' sugar for an elegant finish.
11
For optimal taste, chill the bars in the refrigerator for a few hours. These cheesecake bars can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for long-term enjoyment, as they freeze well.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Key Lime Cream Cheesecake Bars?
These are refreshing dessert bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious, creamy filling infused with tangy key lime flavor.
What is the main flavor profile of these cheesecake bars?
The bars offer a tropical, bright flavor that perfectly balances sweetness with the tart zest of key limes.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 14 ingredients, including components for both the crust and the filling.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 13x9x2 inch baking pan for these bars.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the graham cracker crust?
Combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until a soft dough forms, then press it into the pan.
How long does the crust need to bake initially?
The crust should bake for 15-20 minutes until it is lightly golden brown.
What type of lime juice is best for this recipe?
Key lime juice is specifically recommended to achieve the tangy essence characteristic of these bars.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese before using it?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened so it can be beaten until light and fluffy.
What ingredients make up the cheesecake filling?
The filling consists of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, lime zest, key lime juice, flour, and salt.
How many eggs are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 4 large beaten eggs.
Should I use a mixer for the filling?
Yes, a hand mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese and combine the liquid ingredients until the mixture is fluffy.
How is the lime zest used in this recipe?
1.5 teaspoons of lime zest are added to the cream cheese mixture for extra citrus flavor.
Why is flour added to the cheesecake filling?
1/2 cup of flour is folded into the filling to help it set and provide structure.
How long should the bars bake after adding the filling?
Bake the bars for an additional 20-25 minutes after pouring the filling over the hot crust.
How can I tell when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
They are done when the filling is just set but a slight jiggle still remains in the center.
How long do the bars need to cool?
Allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Should these bars be served cold?
For optimal taste, it is recommended to chill the bars in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
How do I finish the bars for an elegant presentation?
Dust the cooled bars with 3 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar before serving.
How should I store leftover cheesecake bars?
They can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for long-term enjoyment.
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, these cheesecake bars freeze very well.
Is there cinnamon in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon is included in the graham cracker crust.
What type of sugar is used in the crust?
1/2 cup of brown sugar is used to sweeten the crust.
What size can of sweetened condensed milk is needed?
One 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk is required.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling has a velvety, creamy, and fluffy texture once baked and cooled.
Are these bars suitable for picnics?
Yes, they are ideal for gatherings, picnics, or any warm-day event.
Do I pour the filling onto a hot or cold crust?
The filling should be poured over the crust while it is still hot from its initial baking.
Should I overmix the flour into the filling?
No, you should gently fold in the flour until just incorporated and be careful not to overmix.
What provides the base of the crust?
The base is made from a combination of all-purpose flour and graham cracker crumbs.
Is salt included in both parts of the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is used in the crust and another 1/4 teaspoon is used in the filling.