If you’re craving a burst of refreshing citrus combined with creamy indulgence, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic cheesecake that brings together the tangy brightness of key limes and the rich, velvety texture of cream cheese all nestled between crisp, buttery crescent roll layers. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly tasty, these bars are a fantastic treat for any occasion and a sure way to brighten up your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in making these bars both delicious and stunning. From the flaky crunch of crescent rolls to the creamy blend of cream cheese and key lime juice, every component contributes flavor, texture, or that zesty pop you’ll love.
- Crescent rolls (2 cans, 8 oz each): Provide a flaky, buttery crust and top layer that bake to golden perfection.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, softened): Creates the rich, creamy filling that’s essential for cheesecake texture.
- Key lime juice (6 tablespoons): Delivers the signature tangy brightness that defines this dessert.
- Key lime zest (from 6 key limes or 2 limes): Adds aromatic citrus oils and an extra burst of lime flavor.
- Sugar (¾ cup total): Sweetens and balances the tartness of the limes in the filling and the topping.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the creamy filling with a warm, fragrant note.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on top to help the sugar and zest mixture caramelize beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Press one can of the crescent rolls firmly into the bottom of the baking dish, shaping it evenly to cover the entire surface. This will create the crisp, flaky base that supports your luscious filling. Bake this crust layer for about 7 minutes so it’s partially cooked and holds together for the next step.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
While your crust bakes, combine the softened cream cheese, key lime juice, zest from 3 key limes, sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat everything together until it’s smooth, light, and well combined. This filling is what gives the bars their iconic tangy and creamy cheesecake personality.
Step 3: Add the Filling Layer
Once the crust has come out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm crust. This ensures a beautiful, thick layer of tangy cheesecake right in the middle of your bars.
Step 4: Top with Second Crust
Carefully unroll the second can of crescent rolls and gently stretch it over the cream cheese filling to cover the entire surface. This top layer will bake to a golden crisp, sealing in the cheesecake filling. Brush the surface of the dough evenly with melted butter to add richness and help the sugar topping stick.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Sugar and Zest Mixture
Mix together the remaining sugar and the zest from the final 3 key limes in a small bowl. Sprinkle this zested sugar mixture over the melted butter on top of the dough. This final touch adds a vibrant, zesty sweetness and a slightly crunchy texture once baked.
Step 6: Bake Your Bars
Place the assembled pan back in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbling slightly at the edges. The sugar and zest topping will caramelize, creating a gorgeous finish.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling solidifies the cheesecake filling and makes slicing into neat bars much easier.
Step 8: Serve
Lift the entire dessert out of the baking dish using the aluminum foil edges and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 24 squares and prepare for some serious compliments!
How to Serve Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or some extra fresh lime zest sprinkled on top can make these bars look dazzling. For a fresh finish, a dollop of whipped cream or a few thin lime slices adds a lovely touch that pairs beautifully with the tangy lime flavor.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple and let the bars shine by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing berry compote. These accompaniments balance the zesty bite of the cheesecake with creamy or fruity sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering the bars with fresh mint leaves or arranging them on a platter surrounded by whole key limes for a vibrant display. You could also make mini versions in a muffin tin for bite-sized treats at a party or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars even longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. They’ll hold their flavor and texture well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
For the best texture, these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can warm them briefly in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes), but avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp.
FAQs
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Absolutely! Regular limes have a similar tartness and will still give delicious flavor. However, key limes are a bit more aromatic and provide a slightly sweeter, more complex citrus flavor that’s traditional for this recipe.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese before mixing?
Yes, softening the cream cheese beforehand is important because it blends more smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a creamy, lump-free filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Crescent rolls contain gluten, so to make a gluten-free version, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free dough or crust alternative, but that may alter the texture somewhat.
Is it possible to make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! These bars actually benefit from some chilling time, so you can make them the day before and refrigerate to let the flavors meld and the filling fully set.
How do I store leftover bars if I’m not freezing them?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking, and enjoy within 4 days for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try this Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe because it’s a wonderful way to brighten your dessert lineup with a citrusy, creamy treat that’s both simple to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving at a family gathering or craving a special homemade dessert, these bars are pure sunshine on a plate. You won’t regret bringing this fresh, vibrant recipe into your kitchen!
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Key Lime Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Key Lime Cheesecake Bars combine the tart, refreshing flavor of key limes with a creamy cheesecake filling nestled between layers of buttery crescent roll dough. Perfect for a light, summery dessert, the bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a golden, flaky crust.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 2 (8-oz) cans crescent rolls, divided
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- Zest of 3 key limes (or 1 lime), divided
Filling
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 6 Tbsp key lime juice
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Partially Bake Bottom Crust: Press one can of crescent rolls evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes until slightly set but not browned.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 6 tablespoons of key lime juice, zest of 3 key limes, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread Filling Over Crust: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the partially baked crescent roll crust to form a smooth layer.
- Add Top Layer of Crescent Rolls: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and gently stretch it over the cream cheese filling, covering it completely and reaching the edges of the dish.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the top crescent roll layer with melted butter to help it brown and add flavor.
- Add Sugar and Lime Zest Topping: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of sugar with the remaining key lime zest. Sprinkle this sugar-lime mixture evenly over the buttered top layer.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool for 20 minutes at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Serve: Lift the dessert out of the pan using the foil edges, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into 24 bars. Enjoy the refreshing key lime cheesecake bars chilled.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- Use fresh key limes for the best flavor; bottled key lime juice can be substituted but may alter taste slightly.
- Chilling is important to help the bars set properly and enhance the texture.
- You can garnish with additional lime zest or whipped cream if desired.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
