Key Lime Cheesecake Bars with Graham Crust
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 u0026 extra lime zest for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix graham crumbs + sugar + melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- Step 2: Make the Filling : Beat cream cheese until smooth u0026 creamy. Add sugar and beat again. Mix in eggs one at a time—don’t overbeat. Add lime juice, zest, sour cream, vanilla u0026 salt. Spread filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Step 3: Bake : Bake 25–30 minutes until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Cool at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 4: Chill u0026 Serve :Chill at least 2 hours (or overnight for best cuts). Slice into bars, garnish with whipped cream u0026 lime zest.