Description
These Watermelon Cheesecake Bars with Lime Crust are the ultimate no-bake summer dessert. A buttery graham cracker crust infused with fresh lime sets the base for a creamy, zesty cheesecake filling, topped with a refreshing watermelon purée layer that’s light, fruity, and chilled to perfection. Perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Zest of 1 lime
For the cheesecake layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of ½ lime
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
For the watermelon topping:
2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon cold water
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and lime zest until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla, lime zest, and lime juice. Beat until creamy. Spread over the crust and chill while preparing the topping.
3. Blend watermelon until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan to remove pulp.
4. In a small bowl, bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes. Stir the bloomed gelatin, lime juice, and honey into the watermelon purée. Warm gently over low heat until gelatin dissolves. Do not boil. Let cool slightly.
5. Pour watermelon topping over the cheesecake layer. Chill for 4 to 6 hours, or until fully set.
6. Slice into bars and garnish with lime zest or fresh mint before serving.
Notes
– Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
– Make sure the watermelon purée is fully strained for a smooth topping.
– These bars slice best after chilling overnight.
– For a gluten-free version, use GF graham crackers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Keywords: watermelon cheesecake bars, no-bake dessert, lime graham crust, fruity cheesecake bars, summer dessert ideas, watermelon recipes