Name: Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup sour cream; ⅓ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled); 1 tablespoon key lime zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Whipped cream and lime slices (optional)

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If you’re craving something creamy, tangy, and perfectly sweet, let me introduce you to the irresistible Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars. Imagine the best parts of a classic Key lime pie mingling with that luxurious cheesecake texture—all set on a buttery graham cracker crust. Each bite delivers sunshine-bright citrus against cool, velvety filling, making these bars just about impossible to resist. Whether you need a refreshing dessert for summer gatherings or simply a pick-me-up treat any time of year, these bars always deliver a smile!

Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars is how the simplest pantry staples transform into something genuinely show-stopping. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that ultra-creamy filling, zesty lime flavor, and golden crust—we can’t leave anything out!

Graham cracker crumbs: The crust’s essential foundation, creating that signature sweet, slightly crunchy base.
Granulated sugar: Add sweetness to both the crust and the filling, balancing the tanginess of the lime.
Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust and brings out the graham cracker’s toasty notes.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the cheesecake, making each bar creamy and rich.
Large eggs: Give body to the filling and help it set into neat, perfect bars when baked.
Sour cream: Lends a subtle tang and silkiness, blending seamlessly with the cream cheese.
Key lime juice (fresh or bottled): Delivers that unmistakable bright citrus punch—bottled works, but fresh is heavenly.
Key lime zest: Packs in extra zing and a gorgeous hint of green color—don’t skip this if you want true lime flavor!
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth to the cheesecake layer.
Whipped cream and lime slices for garnish (optional): These are the finishing touches that make each bar look bakery-worthy.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This trick makes it so much easier to lift and slice the bars later—think bakery-worthy presentation without any fuss.

Step 2: Build the Graham Cracker Crust

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until the texture reminds you of wet sand. Press it evenly and firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This ensures a sturdy, delicious base that doesn’t fall apart. Pop it into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes—just enough to set and toast it slightly. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining ½ cup of sugar until the mixture is smooth and pillowy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition to keep everything velvety. Next, blend in the sour cream, key lime juice, key lime zest, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined and fragrant. The filling should be creamy, silky, and flecked with bright green zest.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour your luscious cheesecake filling right over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set yet still slightly jiggly—it’ll finish setting as it cools. This gentle baking keeps the bars supremely creamy and prevents cracking.

Step 5: Chill and Slice

Let the pan cool at room temperature for an hour, then transfer to the refrigerator. The bars will need at least 3 hours to fully chill and set (if you’re pressed for time, a little longer in the fridge is even better). For the cleanest slices, pop the pan in the freezer for 30 minutes before cutting—trust me, it’s worth it!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

The best way to finish these Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars is with a swoosh of whipped cream and a wedge or twist of fresh lime. The cream adds extra richness and the lime brings an extra fresh pop, instantly making these bars look party-perfect. A little sprinkle of added lime zest makes them extra vibrant!

Side Dishes

Pair your Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars with a simple fruit salad, a tall glass of iced tea, or a plate of crisp vanilla wafers. Their citrusy flavor pairs beautifully with anything light and refreshing, so think about what complements rather than competes with their distinct taste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them as mini desserts on a platter. You could even skewer cubes on toothpicks alongside berries for a playful, portable treat. Or, for summer parties, set each bar in a cupcake liner for easy grabbing—so fun and tidy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container and keep them chilled in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long! Just be sure to add any whipped cream garnish right before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you’re prepping ahead, these bars freeze marvelously. Once fully chilled, slice them and wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

While Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars are best served cold or at room temperature, you can gently set a bar out on the counter for 10 minutes to take away the chill from the fridge or freezer—no actual reheating required. Warm bars don’t hold their shape as well, so keep things cool for the dreamiest bite!

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Absolutely! While key lime juice offers that trademark tropical sweetness and zing, regular lime juice works beautifully and still gives you a bright, delicious flavor.

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

Look for the center to be just set with a slight jiggle—it shouldn’t wobble like liquid, but it shouldn’t be stiff either. The bars will firm up perfectly as they cool and chill.

What’s the secret to getting clean slices?

The best tip is to chill the bars very well and pop the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing. Wipe your knife clean between cuts for sharp, bakery-like squares.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just use a 9×13-inch baking pan and adjust the bake time as needed—check for doneness at around 35-40 minutes.

Are Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars suitable for make-ahead?

Yes, in fact, they’re even better when made a day in advance as the flavors meld and the filling sets fully. Store them chilled until ready to serve for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars highly enough for anyone who loves a refreshing, creamy, and utterly delightful dessert. They’re easy enough for a weeknight and always worthy of a celebration. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for a second bar—they’re that good. Give them a try and let the zesty magic win you over!

Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours (includes chilling)
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing and creamy delight of Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Bars. These bars combine the tangy essence of key limes with the richness of a classic cheesecake, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. A perfect dessert for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress with their zesty flavor and smooth texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup sour cream
⅓ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
1 tablespoon key lime zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

Whipped cream and lime slices (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 8–10 minutes.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in sour cream, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla.
Assemble and bake: Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30–35 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Serve: Slice into bars and garnish with whipped cream and lime slices if desired.