Zesty Halal Lime Cheesecake Bars

Get ready to bake a dessert that is both refreshing and delightful! These Halal Lime Cheesecake Bars are perfect for anyone who loves a tangy treat with a creamy texture. This recipe is designed for beginner bakers, so don’t worry if you’ve never made cheesecake before. With simple steps and clear instructions, anyone can create these beautiful and delicious bars right at home. These bars are not only easy to make but also a wonderful halal option for your family and friends to enjoy. Let’s get baking!

Halal Ingredients You’ll Need

Before starting, gather all the ingredients. This recipe uses simple, halal-friendly ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. Make sure all ingredients are certified halal if you are strictly following halal guidelines.

• 🥣 For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full graham crackers)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• 🍋 For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed (from about 2-3 limes)
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest (from about 2-3 limes)
  • 1 teaspoon alcohol free vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
• Optional: Lime slices for garnish

Kitchen Equipment

Having the right equipment makes baking much easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 🧽 9×13 inch baking pan
• 🥣 Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• 🥄 Measuring cups and spoons
• 🥢 Spatula or wooden spoon
• ⚡ Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional, but helpful)
• 🔪 Zester or fine grater
• 🍋 Citrus juicer (optional, but helpful)
• 📜 Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)
• 🔥 Oven

Step-by-Step Recipe

Now, let’s make these delicious Halal Lime Cheesecake Bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a homemade treat in no time.

Step 1: Making the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the oven heat up while you prepare the crust.
2. Prepare the pan. If using parchment paper, line the 9×13 inch baking pan with it, leaving some overhang.
3. Crush the graham crackers. Place graham crackers in a bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. You should have about 1 ½ cups of crumbs.
4. Combine crust ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Mix with a spoon until combined.
5. Melt the butter. Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
6. Add melted butter to crumbs. Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
7. Mix the crust. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened and look like wet sand.
8. Press crust into pan. Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Use your fingers or a flat measuring cup to firmly press the crumbs evenly across the bottom of the pan to create a solid crust layer.
9. Pre-bake the crust. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.
10. Cool the crust. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Making the Cheesecake Filling

1. Soften the cream cheese. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature.
2. Cream together cream cheese and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together until light and creamy.
3. Add sour cream and vanilla. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until just combined.
4. Add lime juice and zest. Measure and add the fresh lime juice and lime zest to the bowl. Mix until just combined.
5. Add eggs. Crack the eggs into the bowl, one at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. Mix gently and only until incorporated.
6. Pour filling over crust. Once the crust is cooled, pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust in the pan. Gently smooth the top.

Step 3: Baking the Cheesecake

1. Bake the cheesecake. Place the pan with the cheesecake filling and crust back into the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the cheesecake is set. The edges should be slightly golden and the center mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off oven and let cool. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly ajar for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and cool. After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the countertop.

Step 4: Chilling and Serving

1. Chill in refrigerator. Once cooled to room temperature, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
2. Cut into bars. Once chilled and firm, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang if used. Cut into bars. Refer to the image to see how the bars can be cut into squares.
3. Garnish (optional). If desired, garnish with thin slices of lime before serving, as shown in the image.
4. Serve and enjoy! These Halal Lime Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled.

Tips for Perfect Lime Cheesecake Bars

• Use softened cream cheese: This is crucial for a smooth filling.
• Don’t overmix the filling after adding eggs: Overmixing can cause cracks.
• Bake at the correct temperature: Baking at 350°F (175°C) helps even baking.
• Cool slowly: Cooling slowly helps prevent cracks.
• Chill thoroughly: Chilling for at least 4 hours is essential for setting.
• Fresh lime juice and zest are key: They provide the best flavor.
• For a smoother crust: Use a food processor for very fine crumbs.
• If you don’t have graham crackers: Use halal-certified digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies.

Enjoy Your Halal Treat!

Congratulations! You’ve made delicious Halal Lime Cheesecake Bars. Baking homemade treats is a wonderful way to share joy. These zesty and creamy bars are sure to be a hit. We hope you enjoyed this recipe and feel proud. Share your creations and enjoy! Happy baking and Bismillah!