Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Hungry Six Recipes

NO-BAKE KEY LIME CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• Make the crust: Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang. Put the butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until melted and smooth. Pulse the cookies with the sugar in a food processor until finely ground. With the motor running, pour in the warm melted chocolate mixture and process until combined. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and refrigerate while you make the filling.
• Make the filling: Warm the lime juice in a small saucepan over low heat; whisk in the gelatin and sugar until completely dissolved, then remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer on high speed until smooth and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth. Beat in the gelatin mixture and vanilla. Spread in the prepared crust and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring, until smooth. Drizzle over the cheesecake and refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove from the pan using the foil handles and slice into bars. Photograph by Johnny Miller

KEY LIME PIE CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place a 9-by-13-inch baking pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack.
• Line a second 9-by-13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang around the edges, and coat with cooking spray. Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Pour in the butter and pulse until the crumbs are well coated and stick together when pinched. Press evenly into the bottom of the foil-lined pan.
• For the filling: Add the cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream, lime juice, vanilla and eggs to the food processor (no need to clean it first). Process until smooth, using a spatula to scrape the sides as needed.
• Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the surface. Bake on the center rack until the center is just set but slightly jiggly, about 45 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the pan in the oven with the door closed for 10 minutes. Open the door halfway and leave the pan in the oven until the cheesecake is firmly set around the edges and very slightly jiggly in the center, about 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes, then refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.
• When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the foil overhang. Cut into 12 large pieces (or 24 small pieces if preferred) and place on a serving platter. Generously dust with powdered sugar and grate over lime zest.

NO-BAKE LIME CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• Combine the graham cracker crumbs, salt, brown sugar and melted butter.
• Press into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth with a hand-held mixer (you can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment). Add the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, and lime zest and mix until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture in 2 additions, mixing until just combined. Spread evenly on top of the graham cracker crust.
• Chill in the fridge for 4 hours, or you can make it ahead and chill overnight.
• Top with sweetened whipped cream and lime slices. Slice and serve.