Key Lime Cheesecake Crumb Bars
Zesty and indulgent Key Lime Cheesecake Crumb Bars combine the richness of cheesecake with vibrant key lime flavor for a perfect sweet and tangy treat.
Ingredients
Crumb Base
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Sifted for better texture
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups melted butter Unsalted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz softened cream cheese Make sure it's softened for easy mixing
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs Bring to room temperature for better mixing
- 1/3 cups freshly squeezed key lime juice Freshly squeezed for the best flavor
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest Adds aromatic lift
- 1 drop green food coloring Optional for color enhancement
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
Making the Crumb Base
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and melted butter to create the crumbly base.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs to the mixture and combine until well integrated.
- Stir in the key lime juice and grated lime zest.
- Add green food coloring if desired.
Combining Layers
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crumb base evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Cooling
- Let the bars cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serving
- Remove the bars using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into pieces for serving.
Notes
These bars can be frozen. Wrap them properly to maintain freshness. They can be made a day in advance and served chilled.