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
Scale
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.
