Margarita Cheesecake Bars
Featuring a hint of tequila + lime flavor in a creamy cheesecake filling, these Margarita Cheesecake Bars are a fun and tasty summer dessert recipe!
Servings: 9 servings
Calories: 455kcal
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs ~7 full-sized crackers
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake
- 16 oz. cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 additional large egg yolk
- 2 Tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 Tbsp tequila
- 1 Tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp lime zest
- {for garnish} freshly prepared whipped cream
- {for garnish} lime slices
For the Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- {for garnish} lime slices
Instructions
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Using a food processor or mini-chopper, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground.
- Using a medium bowl, add graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and melted butter; stir until well combined.
- Line an 8”x8” baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving enough to overhang on the edges. (Note: This will help remove the cheesecake later.)
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. (Tip: A flat-bottomed glass helps pack the crust mixture down evenly.)
- Bake for 10 minutes; remove from oven and let cool.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
For the Cheesecake
- Using a countertop mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until completely smooth (about 3 minutes).
- Whisk the eggs and egg yolk together and add to the bowl; mix until well combined.
- Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, tequila, lime juice and lime zest; mix until well combined. (Tip: Use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure the filling is fully mixed.)
- Pour batter into pan (on top of graham cracker crust).
- Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until center of cheesecake is just barely set.
- Refrigerate until cold before slicing.
For the Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
- Combine all ingredients in small bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until stiff peaks form.
- Before serving, garnish tops of cheesecake bars with whipped cream and lime slices.
Nutrition
Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 165mg | Sodium: 252mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1322IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg
