These delightful Watermelon Cheesecake Bars with Zesty Lime Crust come together in about 30 minutes and are no-bake, which means less hassle for you! Perfect for those sunny afternoons when you want something refreshing, these are a crowd-pleaser: your family will love them! Plus, you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a way to clean out the fridge. Imagine a summer dessert that’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Watermelon Cheesecake Bars
To make these refreshing bars, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1.5 cups crushed graham crackers: An easy way to bind the crust together and give it that delicious crunch.
- 0.5 cups melted butter: Stick with real butter for that rich flavor! Margarine? Nah, not for this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Just to sweeten that crust up a bit.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds that zesty punch we love.
- Zest of 1 lime: The fragrant lime zest enhances the flavor and brings everything to life.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: This gives the bars their creamy texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For sweetness and a smooth filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to your bars.
- 2 cups watermelon puree: Use fresh watermelon blended to perfection. It’s sweet, juicy, and oh-so-delicious!
- 2 teaspoons gelatin (optional): If you want firmer bars, this is your gal!
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: A little more of that citrus goodness, adding a refreshing zing.
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Watermelon Cheesecake Bars
Prepare the Crust (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and lime zest. Mix it together until it resembles wet sand. When you press it down into the bottom of your dish (use a 9×9 inch square pan for best results), pack it tight. This will be the crunchy foundation for your creamy filling. Set it aside and don’t forget to taste a bit (it’s like the chef’s perk!).
Make the Creamy Filling (10 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth, just until fluffy and mostly free of lumps (you know, no one likes a lumpy cheesecake!). Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well.Now, add in the watermelon puree. If you want to make it a tad firmer, sprinkle the gelatin over the top of the puree, stir it in, then allow it to sit for about 5 minutes to bloom before mixing it in thoroughly. This step is optional, but trust me; it helps keep the bars creamy yet sliceable!
Combine and Pour (5 minutes): Pour the creamy mixture over the graham cracker crust and smooth the top. Give it a little shake to level everything out. (Oh! And if you have an ounce of watermelon left, feel free to toss some little chunks on top for decoration; it’s like a juicy surprise with every bite!).
Chill (2–4 hours): Slide your pan into the refrigerator and let your bars chill for at least 2 hours. Ideally, you want them to be in there for 4 hours to really set up. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be almost torturous. I know, right? But hang tight!
Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice them up into bars, serve them on pretty plates, and watch your family devour them. You may get requests for seconds, and trust me, they won’t last long!
Why I Love These Watermelon Cheesecake Bars
This is my go-to recipe when summer hits and the heat makes me long for something light yet indulgent. The flavors meld so perfectly the creamy, luscious filling, paired with that crunchy, zesty crust. It’s utter bliss, friends! The best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand; I often sneak in some berries or different fruits to keep things fresh. I’m a real sucker for versatility, and these bars deliver. You can bet I’ll be making them for any get-together or even just to treat myself!
If you loved these Watermelon Cheesecake Bars, be sure to check out my Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake, my Blueberry French Toast Casserole or my Vegan Strawberry Cream Danishes!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes less time in the kitchen means more time for you to soak up the sun!
Crowd-Pleaser
Seriously, the whole family will love these! They’re fun, colorful, and feel like an indulgent treat, but without the guilt!
Customizable
Feel free to change up the ingredients. Got some leftover fruits? Toss them in! How about a different crust? Go for it! Use what you have, and make it your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly
These bars can be made a day or even two in advance! Prep them on a Sunday, and you’ll have a sweet treat ready for the week.
Fresh & Flavorful
Summertime means fresh fruits abound, and this recipe really lets that natural sweetness shine through. It’s like summer on a plate!
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to enjoy your Watermelon Cheesecake Bars:
- With a dollop of whipped cream: So luxurious!
- Sprinkled with fresh mint: Adds a lovely touch and depth of flavor.
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad: Keep it light and refreshing.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options: It’s all about balance!
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: These will last about 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Perfect for those late-night cravings!
- Freezer: Want to save some for a rainy day? These bars are freezer-friendly! Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheating Instructions
Since these are served chilled, you won’t be reheating them. Just pop them from the fridge to your plate. Easy peasy!
Final Thoughts
So, why not give these Watermelon Cheesecake Bars with Zesty Lime Crust a whirl? They truly embody everything I adore about summer: refreshing, vibrant, and bursting with flavor! Plus, you get to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts! Did you try the recipe? Let me know how it went in the comments! And remember, food is all about bringing people together, making memories, and having a blast.
Happy cooking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Watermelon Cheesecake Bars with Zesty Lime Crust
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These no-bake Watermelon Cheesecake Bars with Zesty Lime Crust are a refreshing summer dessert that brings together creamy filling and a crunchy lime-infused crust, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups crushed graham crackers
- 0.5 cups melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups watermelon puree
- 2 teaspoons gelatin (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and lime zest. Mix until it resembles wet sand and press into the bottom of a 9×9 inch square pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add the watermelon puree and optional gelatin if desired, stirring to combine.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the crust and smooth the top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally 4 hours.
- Once chilled, slice into bars and serve.
Notes
For added decoration, top with small watermelon chunks before serving. These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
