If you love the tangy, refreshing flavor of key lime pie but want a simpler, handheld version, these Key Lime Cheesecake Bars with Graham Crust are your dream dessert. Combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, luscious cheesecake layer infused with the bright, zesty essence of key lime, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart.

Each bite is silky and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your dessert cravings without being overpowering. Topped with a light dusting of lime zest or whipped cream, they’re perfect for summer gatherings, holiday treats, or anytime you want a burst of sunshine in dessert form.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance: A little tart, a little sweet, and incredibly creamy.
• Easy to share: Pre-cut bars make serving effortless.
• Make-ahead friendly: They need chilling, which means less stress before serving.
• Seasonless treat: A tropical escape any time of year!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Unique twist on a classic cheesecake
• Fresh citrus flavor keeps it from feeling overly heavy
• Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved
• Looks impressive but beginner-friendly

Recipe at a Glance

Feature	Details
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking/Baking Time	25 minutes
Chilling Time	2 hours
Total Time	~2 hours 45 minutes
Servings	12 bars
Calories	~270 calories per bar
Course	Dessert
Cuisine	American, Tropical

Ingredients

For the Graham Crust

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

For the Key Lime Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice as substitute)
• 1 tbsp lime zest (preferably key lime)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Topping

• Whipped cream & extra lime zest for garnish

Cooking Directions (Step-by-Step)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, mix graham crumbs + sugar + melted butter.
4. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
5. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

6. Beat cream cheese until smooth & creamy.
7. Add sugar and beat again.
8. Mix in eggs one at a time—don’t overbeat.
9. Add lime juice, zest, sour cream, vanilla & salt.
10. Spread filling over the pre-baked crust.

Step 3: Bake

11. Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
12. Cool at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

13. Chill at least 2 hours (or overnight for best cuts).
14. Slice into bars, garnish with whipped cream & lime zest.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled for the best creamy texture
• Add whipped cream rosettes before serving
• A sprinkle of zest gives a vibrant visual pop
• Pair with iced tea, mojitos, or summer cocktails

Special Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Microplane/zester
• Parchment paper
• Citrus juicer (for fresh key limes)

Recipe Tips

• Room temp ingredients prevent lumps in the filling.
• Don’t overbake! Slight jiggle = perfect creaminess.
• Chill fully for clean, sharp slices.
• Use key lime juice if possible for authentic acidity.

Variations to Try

1️⃣ Coconut Key Lime Bars

Replace ¼ cup of crumbs with shredded coconut & add coconut milk to filling.

2️⃣ Chocolate Drizzle Delight

Drizzle dark chocolate on top before chilling.

3️⃣ Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond meal crust.

4️⃣ Berry Bliss

Top with raspberry compote for a fruity twist.

Frozen & Storage Instructions

Storage Method	How Long	Notes
Refrigerated in airtight container	4–5 days	Keep layered with parchment
Frozen (wrapped well)	Up to 2 months	Thaw in fridge overnight before serving

FAQ

Q1: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes! Flavor is slightly different but still delicious.

Q2: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a 9×13 pan and increase bake time 5–7 minutes.

Q3: My cheesecake cracked—why?
Overbaking or overbeating can introduce too much air. Slight cracks are fine—they’ll be covered!

Q4: Can I make it without sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute.

Conclusion

These Key Lime Cheesecake Bars with Graham Crust are the perfect blend of refreshing citrus zing and creamy cheesecake indulgence. Easy to transport, simple to prepare, and sure to impress—this is a dessert you’ll come back to again and again. Whether for a summer BBQ or a cozy indoor treat, they deliver sunshine in every bite!