These No-Bake Lime Cheesecake Bars are a refreshing and light dessert perfect for warm weather. With a buttery digestive biscuit crust, a smooth and creamy lime filling, and a tangy lime topping, these bars are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet cravings. Best of all, there’s no baking required, making it a simple and quick dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12-16 bars
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1 ½ cups digestive biscuit crumbs (150 g)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (60 g), melted
For the Filling:
- 16 oz full-fat cream cheese (450 g), room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (90 g), sifted
- ¼ cup lime juice (60 ml)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 cup whipping cream (250 ml), chilled (minimum 35% fat)
For the Topping:
- Some sweetened whipped cream (optional)
- Extra lime zest and lime slices for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Base:
- Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs. You can place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the biscuit crumbs with the melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square pan with parchment paper. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to flatten it out evenly.
- Place the pan in the fridge to chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling:
- Beat the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer or a whisk until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the chilled whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be sure to maintain the light and fluffy texture.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Bars:
- Remove the prepared base from the fridge and spoon the lime cheesecake filling over it. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure it is evenly spread.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Serve:
- Once the cheesecake bars are set, slice them into squares or rectangles.
- Optional: Top with whipped cream, extra lime zest, and lime slices for garnish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pair with a light summer drink like iced tea or lemonade.
- These bars also make a great addition to a dessert platter for parties or gatherings.
- For a festive touch, drizzle with honey or agave syrup just before serving.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure the whipping cream is well-chilled before whipping to achieve the best results.
- If you don’t have digestive biscuits, you can use graham crackers as a substitute.
- If the filling is too soft after mixing, let the bars chill a bit longer before serving.
- For a smoother texture, make sure to sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cream cheese provides a good source of calcium and protein.
- Limes are rich in Vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
- Whipping cream offers healthy fats, contributing to energy and cell function.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Yes, if using gluten-free biscuits.
- Vegetarian: Yes.
- No-Bake: Yes.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Storage:
- Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a quick and simple dessert that doesn’t require any baking.
- The refreshing lime flavor balances out the richness of the cream cheese, making it perfect for warmer weather.
- The combination of creamy filling and a crunchy biscuit base makes for the perfect texture contrast.
- These bars are easy to make ahead of time and are perfect for parties or potlucks.
Conclusion:
These No-Bake Lime Cheesecake Bars are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, offering a refreshing and creamy dessert with a delightful citrus zing. With minimal prep time and no baking required, this recipe is both easy and impressive. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon treat or a party dessert, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Chill them in the fridge, garnish with lime zest, and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these bars with a different citrus?
- Yes! You can substitute lime with lemon, orange, or even grapefruit for a different citrus twist.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the texture and creaminess slightly.
- How can I make these bars dairy-free?
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut or almond milk in place of the regular whipping cream.
- Can I make this recipe in advance?
- Yes, these bars can be made 1-2 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?
- Yes, freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Do I need to bake the base?
- No, the base is made from crushed digestive biscuits and doesn’t require baking. Simply press it into the pan and chill.
- Can I use a different crust?
- Yes, you can substitute digestive biscuits with graham crackers, Oreo crumbs, or any other biscuit base you prefer.
- How long do the cheesecake bars need to chill?
- The cheesecake bars need to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for a firm set.
- Can I substitute the powdered sugar with another sweetener?
- Yes, you can use a powdered alternative like stevia or erythritol if you prefer a sugar-free option.
- Can I add fruit to the filling?
- Yes, you can fold in fruit like berries or mango puree into the filling for added flavor and texture.