Silky Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Fresh & Zesty No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Summers sizzle with tangy no bake key lime cheesecake bars that dance between sweet and zesty.

Creamy layers blend tropical citrus notes with rich, smooth cream cheese.

Graham cracker crusts provide a delightful crunch that complements the silky filling.

Each bite delivers a refreshing punch of lime that awakens your taste buds.

These no-fuss dessert bars require zero oven time, making them perfect for hot days.

Cool, creamy, and utterly irresistible, they promise to be the star of any gathering.

Whip up these bars and watch them vanish faster than you can say “key lime magic.

How to Serve No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

  • Serve Chilled Summer Delight: Perfectly slice these creamy bars into neat squares for an elegant dessert presentation.
  • Garnish with Zesty Flair: Top each bar with fresh lime zest, whipped cream dollops, or a tiny mint leaf to elevate the visual appeal and add a burst of flavor.
  • Pair with Refreshing Beverages: Complement these tangy cheesecake bars with cold iced tea, sparkling water with lime, or a crisp white wine for a delightful summer treat.
  • Create Party-Perfect Platter: Arrange bars on a beautiful serving tray with additional lime slices and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Storage Solutions for Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store these zesty bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them perfectly chilled and fresh.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy for up to 2 months – perfect for make-ahead dessert lovers.
  • Thaw Gently: Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours to thaw slowly, maintaining their creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
  • Serve Chilled: Always serve these key lime bars directly from the refrigerator to keep them firm and maximize their delightful taste and smooth consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

For Graham Cracker Crust:
  • Graham Crackers: Crunchy base that provides a classic, sweet foundation with a hint of warmth.
  • Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a subtle, warming spice that complements the graham crackers.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent that helps the crust hold together perfectly.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a luxurious, tangy base that gives the cheesecake its signature smooth texture.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Brings rich sweetness and helps create a silky, luscious consistency.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides airy lightness and helps create a fluffy, cloud-like filling.
  • Key Lime Juice: Introduces bright, zesty citrus notes that cut through the richness.
  • Key Lime Zest: Intensifies the lime flavor and adds a fresh, aromatic dimension.

Kitchen Tools for No Bake Key Lime Bars

  • Food Processor: Perfect for crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs with sugar and cinnamon.
  • 8×8-inch Baking Pan: Lined with foil for easy removal of cheesecake bars.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for preparing crust and cheesecake filling.
  • Whisk: Essential for whipping cream to stiff, fluffy peaks.
  • Spatula: Great for folding whipped cream into lime mixture and smoothing the top.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Cleanly cuts bars after chilling.

How to Assemble No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

  • Graham Cracker Foundation

A delightful base crafted by blending crispy crackers with sweet and spicy notes, creating a crumbly landscape that will cradle your creamy dessert.

  • Dreamy Lime Cloud

Whisking cream into fluffy peaks, then gently marrying it with tangy cream cheese and zesty lime essence, transforming simple ingredients into a silky, refreshing filling.

  • Chill and Slice

Allowing your creation to rest and set in the cool sanctuary of your refrigerator, transforming from soft mixture to firm, sliceable bars that promise a burst of tropical brightness with every bite.

  • Serving Sensation

Cutting through the chilled bars, revealing layers of creamy decadence and crisp foundation, ready to transport taste buds to a beachy, lime-infused paradise.

Tips and Custom Flavors for Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

  • Grate only the green outer layer of key limes carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, maximizing fresh citrus flavor without unwanted bitterness.
  • Swap graham crackers with crushed gingersnaps or shortbread cookies for a unique texture and complementary flavor profile that adds unexpected depth.
  • Top bars with toasted coconut flakes, fresh lime slices, or whipped cream dollops to elevate presentation and introduce additional taste dimensions.
  • Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and coconut whipped cream to create a delicious alternative for those with lactose sensitivities.
  • Always chill ingredients like cream cheese and heavy cream before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy consistency and prevent lumpy texture in your cheesecake bars.
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Silky Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Silky Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Summer’s most refreshing no bake key lime cheesecake bars combine tangy citrus with creamy richness. Graham cracker crusts and silky lime-infused filling make these chilled desserts perfect for cool moments you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (910 whole crackers) graham crackers
  • 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • ⅔ cup (160 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • ½ cup (120 ml) key lime juice or regular lime juice
  • 5 tbsps (75 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsps (30 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a food processor until forming a cohesive, slightly moist texture that holds together when pressed.
  2. Crust Setting: Transfer the crumbly mixture into a foil-lined 8×8 inch pan, firmly compressing to create an even, solid foundation, then chill in the freezer while preparing the filling.
  3. Cream Whipping: Vigorously whip heavy cream using an electric mixer until it develops luxurious, sturdy peaks that maintain their structure without collapsing.
  4. Cheese Blending: Beat cream cheese until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, then seamlessly integrate sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and zest, mixing until perfectly harmonized.
  5. Filling Assembly: Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the lime-infused cream cheese mixture, using gentle folding techniques to preserve the airy volume and prevent deflation.
  6. Layering and Chilling: Smoothly spread the creamy filling across the frozen crust, ensuring an uniform surface, then seal with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or freeze for 3-4 hours until completely set.
  7. Serving: Slice into precise, rectangular bars, revealing the smooth, tangy filling atop the crisp graham cracker base, ready to be enjoyed chilled.

Notes

  • Crust Consistency Check: Ensure graham cracker mixture is just moist enough to hold together when pressed, avoiding dry or overly wet textures.
  • Cream Whipping Technique: Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks carefully, stopping just before it turns grainy to maintain smooth, airy texture.
  • Lime Zest Intensity: Use fresh key lime zest for maximum flavor punch, grating only the green outer layer to avoid bitter white pith.
  • Chilling Strategy: Overnight refrigeration develops deeper flavors and provides perfect, sliceable consistency for clean-cut bars.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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