Name: Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs; 0.5 cup sugar; 0.25 cup melted butter; 16 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup key lime juice; 1 cup sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 0.5 cup butter (melted)

What are some of the best Key Lime Pie Cheesecake bars? What are some good late-night sweets to make up for a late night craving? Is there sunshine in every bite? Imagine the tangy, bright flavor of key lime pie swirled into the creamy, decadent goodness of caramelized onions. Cheesecake… but in bar form! If you love cheesecake and you’re crazy about key lime pie (like I am) then you should try Key Lime Pie. ), prepare to meet your favorite dessert. It’s easier than making a full-sized pie or cheesecake, perfect for sharing, and just bursting with flavor. Key lime is a signature flavor that’s impossible to resist.

What is a Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bar?

What are some of the best Key Lime Pie Cheesecake bars? What is the most delicious way to What’s a graham cracker crust topped with key lime cheesecake filling? All baked to golden perfection and then cut into easy-to-handle bars. What makes a lime pie unique? The “cheesecake” element brings the rich, creamy texture that is typical of a cheesecake. What makes it so indulgent? What is the best dessert for a girl who can’t decide between pie and cheesecake? Who can be honest? Is it easier to make a cheesecake with no water bath?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are the key lime pie cheesecake bars? Let me count the ways!

Flavor Explosion:What’s a good combination of lemon and cheesecake? What is a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying, guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. My husband, who normally only likes chocolate desserts, devoured these!
SurprisinglyWhat is the best cheesecake recipe? No fancy equipment or complicated techniques needed. I promise, even beginner bakers can nail this one. It’s way easier than a full-sized cheesecake.
Budget FriendlyDo you need fancy ingredients? What is the star of the show? Key limes are relatively inexpensive (especially if you find them on sale!) The rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.
Perfect for sharing:Because they’re bars, they are incredibly portable and perfect for potlucks, picnics or any other event. What is the best dessert to bring to a gathering? No more struggling to transport a delicate pie or cake! And everyone loves a handheld dessert, right?

What I love about this recipe is how it manages to be both decadent and refreshing at the same time. Is this cheesecake heavy? If you love citrus desserts like lemon bars or orange cake, you absolutely have to try them. Is it true that you won’t regret it?

How do I make Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars?

Quick Overview

What are some easy ways to make Key Lime Pie Cheesecake bars? How do you make a graham cracker crust? What’s a good cheesecake filling? Swirl some extra lime juice into the batter for a beautiful marbling effect, bake until set, and serve warm. Let it cool completely. What’s the best part about a key lime glaze? No water bath is needed for this cheesecake, making it a fuss-free dessert.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 12 cups graham cracker crumbs: 1 cup. I prefer using store-bought crumbs to save time, but you can also crush your own graham crackers in a blender. What is a food processor?
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: 2 teaspoons Make sure the butter is completely melted and cooled slightly before mixing it with the graham crackers. What are cracker How do you create a perfectly compact crust?
14 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the buttery graham cracker flavor.

What is the cheesecake filling?

2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened: This is crucial! Cream cheese needs to be completely softened to avoid lumps in the filling. I usually leave it out at room temperature for at least an hour.
What is the best cheesecake recipe you have ever tried?
What are the best cheesecake recipes?
What is the best key lime juice? What are some good substitutes for lime juice? Is there a flavor for the same thing?
What is the key lime zest for? Do not zest too deeply, as the white pith can be bitter.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth.

What is the key lime glaze?

1 cup powdered sugar: Sifted to prevent lumps in the glaze.
2-3 tablespoons key lime juice: Add gradually until you reach your desired consistency. You want a glaze that’s thick enough to drizzle but thin enough for spreading slightly.
12 teaspoon key lime zest (optional): For an extra boost of flavor and visual appeal.

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. How do you lift cheesecake bars out of the pan? I always do this – it’s a lifesaver!

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Set aside. Stir until well combined. How do you press the mixture into the bottom of a baking pan? I use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake filling. This step is important because it helps the crust set and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Set aside. Is it smooth and creamy? Make sure there are no lumps! This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air into the batter and cause it to burn. How do you crack cheesecake?

Step 6: Swirl with Key Lime Juice

Half of the cheesecake filling is poured over the graham cracker crust. Drizzle the remaining key lime juice over the filling, then gently swirl it with a knife or skewer. How do you create a marbled effect? This step is optional, but it adds a beautiful visual element to the bars!

Step 7: Bake the Cheesecake Bars

Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the swirled topping. Is it safe to bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes? Is it possible to If cheesecake is not completely firm, don’t worry. It will continue to set as it cools.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cheesecake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the air to escape. How do you make cheesecake?

Step 9: Make the Glaze & Serve

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, key lime zest, and lemon zest. Set aside. Add more lime juice if needed to reach desired consistency. How do you glaze cheesecake bars?

What to Serve It With

These Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars are pretty amazing on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

For Breakfast: Pair a bar with a strong cup of coffee or a latte for a decadent morning treat. I sometimes crumble a bar over a bowl of Greek yogurt for a protein-packed breakfast.

For Brunch: Serve the bars alongside a platter of fresh fruit and a selection of teas or mimosas. They make a beautiful addition to any brunch spread.

As Dessert: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra key lime zest. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry sauce would also be delicious.

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a bar with a glass of cold milk or a cup of chamomile tea for a comforting evening snack. My kids love these after school with a glass of milk.

My family tradition is to always have these at our summer BBQ, they are always a huge hit. I have even made a key lime pie martini to go along with them for a more adult version.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars

Okay, friends, here are a few secrets I’ve learned over the years to make these Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars absolutely perfect:

Cream Cheese is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened! This is the most important step for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling. I leave mine out at room temperature for at least an hour, sometimes even longer on a cold day.

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cheesecake batter can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Swirl with Care: When swirling the key lime juice into the batter, be gentle! Over-swirling can muddy the colors and create a less defined marbled effect. A few simple swirls are all you need.

Ingredient Swaps: If you can’t find key limes, regular limes will work in a pinch. However, key limes have a unique flavor that’s slightly sweeter and more floral. I’ve also experimented with adding a tablespoon of Sour Cream to the cheesecake filling for extra tang – it’s delicious!

Baking is an Art: Keep a close eye on the cheesecake while it’s baking. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.

Cooling is Crucial: Don’t skip the cooling step! Letting the cheesecake cool completely in the pan before refrigerating it is essential for preventing cracks. The longer it chills, the better the flavor and texture will be.

Glaze Variations: I sometimes add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness. You can also experiment with different flavors, such as lime extract or coconut extract.

I remember one time, I was in a hurry and tried to rush the cooling process by putting the cheesecake bars in the freezer. Big mistake! The texture became icy and not nearly as creamy. Patience is key! Also, I accidently added lemon extract one time instead of key lime and it still tasted awesome!!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to keep your Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars fresh and delicious:

Room Temperature: These bars can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours, but they’re best stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’ll actually taste even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to wait until after they’ve thawed to add the glaze. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy or cracking during freezing.

I’ve found that the key to preventing freezer burn is to wrap the bars really well. I use several layers of plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. Also, make sure to label the bag with the date so you know how long they’ve been in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can easily make these Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Make sure to check the ingredient list of the graham crackers to ensure they are certified gluten-free. I’ve tried this with a few different brands, and the texture and taste are almost identical to the regular version.

Do I need to peel the key limes?

No, you don’t need to peel the key limes. The zest adds a wonderful aromatic flavor to the cheesecake. However, be sure to zest only the outer green part of the rind, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can be bitter.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

I haven’t personally tried it, but I imagine you could adapt this recipe to make key lime pie cheesecake muffins. You would need to adjust the baking time accordingly, as muffins typically bake faster than a full pan of cheesecake bars. I would recommend checking them after about 15-20 minutes. You could also use cupcake liners for easy removal.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling and/or the glaze. I would recommend starting by reducing the sugar by about ¼ cup in each component. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of glaze, you can simply dust the cheesecake bars with powdered sugar. You could also top them with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, try drizzling them with melted white chocolate.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my recipe for the most irresistible Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars you’ll ever taste! I truly believe these bars are worth every single bite. The tangy key lime, the creamy cheesecake, the buttery graham cracker crust… it’s a match made in dessert heaven. Plus, they’re so easy to make, even a beginner baker can whip them up without any fuss. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other cheesecake recipes and citrus-inspired desserts. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking, friends! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And if you try any fun variations, be sure to share them with me – I’m always looking for new ideas!