Gluten Free No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
These No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars feature a creamy key lime filling on a buttery gluten-free nut crust for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours. Easy to make ahead and no oven required, they’re a refreshing, yet rich, gluten-free dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion.
What You’ll Love About Gluten Free Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
These GF No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars are such a fun and delicious dessert to share now that summer has arrived! This season is bursting with energetic backyard parties, sizzling BBQs, and cozy bonfires; it’s the fun season! For me, summer sparks thoughts of fresh, zesty foods, especially citrus. So, I kicked off the season by whipping up these No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars, and they’re absolutely scrumptious! Packed with sweet, tangy lime flavour, they hit all the right spots.
Plus, these gluten-free, grain-free, and keto-friendly Key Lime Cheesecake Bars come together quickly, aside from the chilling time. In addition, you can prepare them in advance for effortless entertaining. This recipe yields 9 bars using an 8″ x 8″ pan. However, if you’re hosting a larger crowd, simply double the recipe and use a 9″ x 13″ pan to create 18 delicious bars.
What You’ll Need to make No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
A few things to keep in mind:
- Macadamia nuts – For starters, you will need a small amount of macadamia nuts. Macadamia nuts are added into the crust and they make it so delicious!
- Almond flour – In addition, I use a little almond flour as well just to help create a better overall texture for the base.
- Cream cheese – Moreover, you will need 1 1/2 blocks (375g) cream cheese for the cheesecake layer of the bars.
- Avocado – Also, I love adding avocado not only to incorporate those healthy fats but also to add a beautiful, natural green colour to the bars!
- Key Limes – Finally, you will need key limes. You can find key limes in your local grocery store. They look like tiny little limes. Very cute!
Gluten Free No Bake Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
Equipment
- 1 8" x 8" Square Pan
- 1 Food Processor
- 1 Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted macadamia nuts
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 2 tablespoons organic sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the cheesecake filling:
- 375 grams cream cheese 1 1/2 bricks, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 5 key limes 2 zested, 5 juiced
- 3/4 cup organic sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Line an 8”x8” pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a food processor, pulse together the macadamia nuts, almond flour, sugar and salt until broken down and combined.
- Turn the food processor to low speed and slowly add the melted butter until the mixture comes together.
- Add the crust mixture into the 8”x8” pan and press down with another piece of parchment paper on top into an even layer. Set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and avocado until it is completely smooth. Add the sugar, lime zest and juice, vanilla and salt and mix again until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Spread the key lime filling on top of the prepared crust, cover and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
- Before cutting into squares, freeze the bars for 30 minutes to 1 hour to make cutting easier.
- Garnish with fresh lime slices, serve cold and enjoy!