If you adore the zesty, tangy charm of key lime pie but crave something a little creamier and more indulgent, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe. This delightful dessert masterfully combines the buttery crunch of a graham cracker crust with a luscious, velvety cheesecake infused with fresh lime juice and zest, all topped with a cloud of whipped cream that adds just the right finishing touch. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or treating yourself on a quiet night, these cheesecake bars deliver a perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on these key lime cheesecake bars is truly a joy with just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating the luscious texture and vibrant flavor. From the buttery crust to the creamy filling, every element is straightforward but impactful.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The crunchy, buttery base that gives the bars their classic key lime pie personality.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to both crust and filling, balancing the tang from the lime.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and brings richness to every bite.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, creating that indulgently smooth and creamy texture.
- Eggs: Give structure and help the cheesecake set beautifully without cracking.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that enhances the lime flavor.
- Heavy cream: Used in both the filling and the whipped topping for a luxurious richness.
- Fresh lime juice: The bright, zesty heart of the pie, using real limes for an authentic taste.
- Lime zest: Bursts of citrus oils that elevate the flavor and aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, sweet undertone.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping smoothly without grittiness.
- Lime slices and extra zest for garnish: Adds that irresistible visual pop and a hint of fresh citrus zest on top.
How to Make Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make removal simple. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture feels like sandy perfection. Press this evenly into the pan and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This step forms the buttery foundation that supports all the creamy goodness to come.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Next, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy—it’s important that there are no lumps here for that perfect cheesecake texture. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then stir in sour cream, heavy cream, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract, mixing everything until your batter is silky and well combined. This filling promises that perfect blend of rich creaminess paired with zesty lime brightness.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
Pour the luscious cheesecake batter over your cooled crust and smooth it out evenly. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are firm and the center slightly jiggles like the teasing promise of springy sherbet. Turn off the oven and crack the door open, letting the bars cool gradually for an hour—this helps prevent cracks and keeps that silky texture impeccable. Afterward, pop them into the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight for the best set and rich flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
As your bars chill, whip together the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy contrast to the dense cheesecake beneath. This topping adds a delicious creamy cloud that transforms each bite into the kind of dessert moment you’ll want to savor again and again.
Step 5: Serve the Bars
Once chilled and perfectly set, slice your masterpiece into nine generous bars. Spoon or pipe on a dollop of the freshly whipped cream, then garnish with a bright lime slice and a sprinkle of extra zest. Serve these chilled for that refreshing burst of citrus and creamy heaven inviting you back for another bite.
How to Serve Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is part of the fun! A thin, vibrant slice of lime laid delicately atop the whipped cream adds instant visual appeal and a fresh citrus aroma. You can even sprinkle a bit of extra lime zest for a burst of color and to intensify that gorgeous lime flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars shine as a standalone treat, but pairing them with fresh berries or a light fruit salad makes for a wonderfully balanced dessert plate. If you want to elevate the experience, a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side provides an extra creamy complement that contrasts beautifully with the tart lime notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little fancy by serving the bars in mini mason jars or as layered parfaits with crushed graham crackers, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream assembled for an effortless yet stunning display. You can also dip the edges lightly in melted white chocolate for a show-stopping touch sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep wonderfully in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days. Their flavors mellow beautifully, so if anything, the texture and taste get even better with time.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch in advance, these cheesecake bars freeze splendidly. Wrap each bar individually or store the entire pan wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results.
Reheating
Because cheesecake bars are best enjoyed chilled, reheating is generally not necessary. If you do prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving rather than warming them directly.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes?
For the freshest flavor, fresh lime juice is strongly recommended in this Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Bottled juice is usually more acidic or has preservatives that can alter the taste, so fresh limes bring that bright, authentic zing you want.
What kind of cream cheese is best for this recipe?
Full-fat cream cheese will give you the richest, creamiest filling for these bars. Try to use cream cheese that’s softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth and even batter without lumps.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free crumb option or crushed gluten-free cookies. Make sure the other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a wonderful gluten-free version.
How do I prevent my cheesecake bars from cracking?
Slowly cooling the bars in the oven with the door slightly open helps avoid cracking by preventing sudden temperature changes. Also, beating the eggs just enough but not too much helps create a smooth texture without cracked surfaces.
Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for sour cream to add creaminess and slight tang. Use the same amount, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture and taste to be a bit less rich.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that effortlessly combines fresh citrus brightness with smooth, indulgent cheesecake, this Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and absolutely irresistible, a perfect sweet treat to wow family and friends or simply enjoy as a lovely personal indulgence. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the tart, refreshing flavor of key lime pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake in a convenient bar form. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth lime-infused cheesecake filling, and a light whipped cream topping, these bars are perfect for a summer dessert or any occasion that calls for a zesty, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Lime slices (for garnish)
- Extra lime zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and resembles wet sand.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool completely.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is uniform and smooth.
- Pour Filling over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust, spreading it out gently to cover the entire surface.
- Bake Cheesecake Bars: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 25-30 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly, and the edges should be firm.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and prop the oven door open slightly. Let the cheesecake bars cool inside the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill Bars: After cooling in the oven, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bars to set fully.
- Whip Cream Topping: In a clean large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Once chilled, cut the cheesecake into bars. Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream, garnish with a lime slice and a sprinkle of extra lime zest if desired. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lime juice and zest rather than bottled lime juice.
- Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Chilling overnight enhances the texture and flavor of the cheesecake bars.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream to ensure a rich and creamy texture.
- To make slicing easier, use a warm knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
- Store leftover cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
