During the summer most of us attend backyard barbecues, picnics, and outdoor gatherings. When asked to bring dessert, most of us try to find lighter foods since it’s hot outside and many of the foods served at these gatherings are heavy. Cookies and bars are easy to transport and are popular at gatherings. I had some limes on hand and wanted to make some light bars as a dessert for a party. These Lime Cheesecake Bars are a cross between a traditional lemon or lime bar and a cheesecake. These are tart and creamy, and there were no leftovers at the party. There were also requests for the recipe.

These luscious bars can be made a day or two ahead. They look great on a tray accompanied by brownies or a chocolate type bar cookie. I would recommend using freshly squeezed lime juice, but you can substitute bottled if you are in a hurry. You can also substitute lemon juice instead of the lime juice. Because these aren’t green, you may want to add a drop or two of green food coloring (I leave mine the way they are).

32 Bars

Crust:
1 cup softened butter
2 cups flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:
2 8 oz. packages softened cream cheese
2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons flour
5 eggs
1 cup fresh lime juice

Powdered sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9" x 13" shallow baking dish with non-stick spray, then line with parchment.
2. Crust: Mix the butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt until it looks like fine meal. Press into the prepared baking dish. Bake 20 minutes, or until the sides begin to brown. Remove from the oven.
3. Filling: whip the cream cheese with the sugar until light. Beat in the flour. Turn the mixer to low speed and add the eggs and lime juice; mix until smooth, scraping down the sides once or twice. Pour the mixture over the baked crust.
4. Bake 30-40 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool thoroughly; dust with powdered sugar and cut into 32 bars.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 208 Calories from Fat 104
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 50% Protein 6% Carb. 44%

Nutrient Amount per Serving:
Total Fat 12 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Cholesterol 64 mg
Sodium 129 mg
Total Carbohydrate 23 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 13 g
Protein 3 g

Vitamin A 9% Vitamin C 4% Calcium 0% Iron 2%