My dad’s mother and I share three very special bonds. We absolutely love hot weather, the beach, and last but not least, sweets! There is one dessert that can’t be beat on a hot day at the beach: key lime pie. Since I love anything in bar form, I took some of the classic flavors of key lime pie and added a surprise ingredient to make these “to die for” sweet and tart lime bars.
8 (5 × 2-inch) honey graham cracker sheets
3 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ teaspoon salt
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup white sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon finely grated lime peel
¼ cup fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup white chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the graham crackers in the bowl of a food processor or ziptop bag, and pulse or crush them in the bag until fine crumbs are formed. Pour the crumbs into a medium bowl. Add the brown sugar and melted butter, and stir together until the crumbs are moist. Press the crumbs into an 8-inch square baking dish. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, and then let it cool completely.
In a large bowl beat together the cream cheese and white sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and egg yolk until they are well blended. Mix in the lime peel, lime juice, and vanilla.
Place the white chocolate chips in an even layer on top of the crust. Pour the cream cheese mixture on top, spreading it evenly with a spatula if needed. Bake for 26 to 28 minutes. Let cool completely, and then refrigerate until you are ready to slice and serve.
MAKES 9 SERVINGS.