– **Title**: No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup sour cream
– ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
– Zest of 2 limes
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Whipped cream (for topping)
– Lime slices or zest (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
2. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form the crust. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well incorporated.
5. Stir in the sour cream, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
8. Once set, cut into bars and top with whipped cream and additional lime slices or zest for garnish before serving. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are the classic base for a cheesecake crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
Cream Cheese: This gives the cheesecake its rich and creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based cream cheese alternative, which works well too.
Key Lime Juice: This is essential for that zesty flavor. If key limes are hard to find, regular lime juice works just fine. Fresh is always best, but bottled juice can save time.
Sour Cream: It adds tanginess and creaminess. You could substitute plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option, which will give you a similar texture and flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Cheesecake Filling is Smooth and Creamy?
A smooth filling is key to a great cheesecake. Start with softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Here’s how:
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually add in powdered sugar to help it mix evenly.
- When adding liquids like key lime juice and sour cream, do so gradually to maintain that creamy consistency.
Treat the mixture gently and mix just until combined to prevent overmixing, which can add air bubbles. This technique will give your cheesecake bars a lovely, smooth texture!
How to Make No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh lime slices (for garnish)
- Additional lime zest (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 4 hours for chilling in the fridge. You’ll be mixing and assembling everything in no time, and then just let it set until it’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Crust:
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Then, pour in the melted butter and stir well until all the crumbs are coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to create an even crust. Make sure it’s packed down nice and tight!
2. Making the Cheesecake Filling:
In a mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and beat it with an electric mixer until it’s nice and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar while mixing, making sure it all blends nicely together.
Next, add the sour cream, key lime juice, lime zest, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix everything on medium speed until the filling is completely smooth and creamy. It should look delicious at this point!
3. Assembling the Bars:
Now it’s time to pour that creamy cheesecake filling over your prepared crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. To get rid of any pesky air bubbles, gently tap the baking dish on the counter a few times. This will help ensure your bars are nice and smooth.
4. Chilling:
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the cheesecake bars are perfectly set. This is the hardest part—waiting!
5. Serving the Bars:
Once your cheesecake has set, carefully lift it out of the baking dish using the edges of parchment paper if you used it, or you can slice directly in the dish. Before serving, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream, a slice of lime, and a sprinkle of lime zest for that extra zing. Enjoy every refreshing bite!
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese in place of cream cheese. Keep in mind that this may change the flavor slightly, so adjust the sweetness and lime juice according to your taste!
What If I Don’t Have Key Limes?
No problem! You can use regular limes instead of key limes. The taste won’t be identical, but it will still be delicious. Just be sure to adjust the zest and juice measurements to match as closely as possible to the original recipe!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. Most brands now offer gluten-free options that work beautifully in this recipe.
How to Store Leftover Cheesecake Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving!
