Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

• •1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (14 whole graham crackers, crushed)
• •2 tablespoons sugar
• •6 tablespoons butter, melted
• •2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• •1 cup granulated sugar
• •1/4 cup sour cream
• •2 eggs
• •1 teaspoon vanilla
• •1/4 cup key lime juice
• •1 tablespoon key lime zest
• •1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• •2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. 2In a small bowl mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar together. Add the melted butter and stir until combined. Press the crust into the prepared baking dish evenly and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool while you make the filling.
3. 3In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together at medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the sour cream, eggs, key lime juice, zest, and vanilla, and beat until combined. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set but still a bit jiggly in the center. Cool completely on a wire rack then chill in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours (overnight is best).
4. 4Place the heavy cream and powdered sugar in a bowl and whisk until almost stiff. Lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into bars with a very sharp knife, cleaning the knife with warm water between slices. Pipe or dollop the whipped cream on top and serve.