Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars

If you love the bright, tangy flavors of Key lime pie and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, then these Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. They’re the perfect mix of smooth cheesecake and tart lime filling, all sitting on top of a buttery graham cracker crust. With the creamy cheesecake texture and the zesty lime kick, these bars are light, refreshing, and totally irresistible. Trust me, they’re the kind of dessert that makes everyone at the table go wow. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a BBQ, or just craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars

These bars aren’t just a treat for the tastebuds—they’re a total crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart

The combination of the creamy cheesecake and the bright, citrusy lime is just magical. The tangy lime filling cuts through the richness of the cheesecake, creating a perfect balance that’s refreshing and satisfying.

No-Bake Option

Not in the mood to turn on the oven? You can make these bars with a no-bake cheesecake filling! They’re easy, quick, and still pack all the flavor of a baked cheesecake.

Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a pro to pull these off. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together in a snap. You’ll look like a baking expert, but the recipe is so easy to follow!

Refreshing and Light

Despite their creamy texture, these bars are light and refreshing thanks to the Key lime juice. They’re the perfect dessert to cool you down on a warm day or serve as a sweet end to any meal.

Customizable

Want to take them up a notch? You can add whipped cream, toasted coconut, or even a drizzle of white chocolate on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Ingredients in Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars

This recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients, but together they create a dessert that’s seriously amazing. Let’s break it down:

Graham Cracker Crumbs

These create the perfect, buttery crust for the bars. It’s just the right balance of crunch and sweetness.

Butter

Melted butter helps hold the graham cracker crust together and adds that delicious richness.

Cream Cheese

The star of the cheesecake filling! It makes the bars creamy and smooth, providing the perfect base for the tangy lime flavor.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

This ingredient adds sweetness and helps the cheesecake filling set. It also adds to the creaminess of the bars.

Key Lime Juice

Freshly squeezed Key lime juice gives these bars their signature tart, zesty flavor. It’s what makes them taste like summer in a bite.

Lime Zest

The zest adds an extra punch of lime flavor that complements the juice. It enhances the tartness and adds a little aromatic flair.

Eggs

They help the cheesecake filling set and give it a smooth texture.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

These Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars are simple to make, and the results are so worth it! Let’s get started:

Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed, and the crumbs are coated in the butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly. Pop it in the fridge to set while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until fully combined. Then, add the Key lime juice and lime zest, and mix until everything is incorporated. Finally, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until smooth.

Pour the Filling Over the Crust

Pour the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly. You’ll want to make sure the filling is level and covers the entire crust.

Bake the Bars

Bake the bars at the temperature listed in the recipe card for the time specified. The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center should still be slightly jiggly. Don’t worry—the bars will continue to set as they cool.

Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight works best) to let them fully set.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the bars are chilled and set, cut them into squares and serve! You can garnish them with whipped cream, extra lime zest, or a few more sprinkles of graham cracker crumbs if you want to make them even more special.

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars are a treat on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them for an extra special touch:

Whipped Cream

Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light, creamy addition that complements the tartness of the lime.

Fresh Berries

Add some fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, for a pop of color and an extra layer of sweetness that balances the tart lime.

Coconut Flakes

To really amp up the tropical vibes, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of each bar. It adds texture and a delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with lime.

Serve with a Refreshing Drink

These bars go great with a cold glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a refreshing mojito for an extra summery feel.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of these Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars:

Make-Ahead

These bars are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare them the day before you need them, and they’ll hold up beautifully in the fridge for 2–3 days.

No-Bake Option

If you’re not in the mood to bake, you can skip the baking step for the filling and simply refrigerate the bars to set. The texture will be a little different, but still delicious!

Customize the Crust

While the graham cracker crust is traditional, feel free to experiment with other options, like crushed vanilla wafers or even an almond flour crust for a gluten-free version.

Add Extra Lime Flavor

If you’re a huge fan of lime, you can add more lime zest to the filling or even a few drops of lime extract for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular lime juice instead of Key lime juice?

A1: Yes, you can use regular lime juice if you can’t find Key limes. The flavor will be a bit different, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?

A2: Yes! Just swap out the graham crackers for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie crust alternative.

Q3: How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?

A3: The edges should be golden, and the center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. It will set more as it cools.

Q4: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A4: Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. They need time to chill in the fridge, so preparing them the day before works wonderfully.

Q5: How long do these bars last in the fridge?

A5: These cheesecake bars will stay fresh in the fridge for about 2–3 days, and they make an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Q6: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

A6: Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to a month. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q7: Can I add fruit to the filling?

A7: You can add fruit like mashed berries or a fruit compote on top of the cheesecake for a fun twist, but be careful not to make the filling too wet.

Q8: Can I make these bars without eggs?

A8: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or use a vegan cheesecake recipe as a base. Just keep in mind that the texture will be different.

Q9: Can I make a larger batch?

A9: Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might take a little longer.

Q10: How do I get perfect slices?

A10: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and dip it in hot water before cutting each slice. Wipe the knife between cuts to keep the edges neat.

Conclusion

Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars are a delicious, refreshing treat that combines the best of both worlds: creamy cheesecake and tangy Key lime pie! They’re simple to make, totally customizable, and the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a summer party, a holiday gathering, or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit! Enjoy every bite of that sweet-tart, creamy goodness.

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