Margarita Cheesecake Bars Recipe

As someone who’s totally obsessed with chasing the zesty thrill of flavors, I stumbled upon the ultimate treat—a margarita cheesecake that’ll have you feeling like you’re sipping a cocktail on a tropical beach without ever leaving your kitchen.

These Margarita Cheesecake Bars really got my juices flowing. They have a graham-cracker crust, which I love.

They have a creamy filling infused with just the right amount of tequila and lime juice to keep it interesting and do its namesake drink justice. They aren’t nearly as sweet as a lot of desserts, which I especially appreciate.

Oh, and they’re super easy to make.

Ingredients

• Graham crackers: Whole-grain base, adds crunch and mild sweetness.
• Cream cheese: Smooth, rich; main texture; protein and calcium source.
• Lime juice: Fresh, tangy; brightens flavor with vitamin C.
• Tequila: Adds a subtle kick; enhances margarita essence.
• Orange liqueur: Sweetens; complements lime and tequila notes.
• Granulated sugar: Primary sweetener; balances tart lime and cheese.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 and 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• 2 tablespoons tequila
• 1 tablespoon orange liqueur (such as triple sec)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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How to Make this

1. Set your oven to a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Arrange a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper along the bottom and up the sides, leaving an overhang for easy removal, in the pan.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the next three ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of melted butter.

Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.

3. Using a spatula, press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to make an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

4. In a big mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

5. Include the eggs, one by one, blending well after each individual addition. As necessary, wipe down the bowl’s sides.

6. Blend together the freshly squeezed lime juice and zest, tequila, orange liqueur, and vanilla with the cream cheese. Beat until fully combined.

7. In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and salt. Add this mixture to the cream cheese filling and mix until just incorporated.

8. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cool crust. Use a spatula to ensure it is even—make it look like the surface of the moon, as my high school physics teacher was wont to say.

9. Preheat the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is a little jiggly.

10. Take out of the oven, and allow to cool to room temperature. Then place in the refrigerator and let chill for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. Slice into bars, and serve. These are quite good chilled. If you like, you can garnish them with a little more lime zest, or some whipped cream.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking pan
3. Parchment paper
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Small mixing bowl
7. Spatula
8. Electric mixer
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Zester or grater
12. Knife (for slicing bars)

FAQ

• Can I make these Margarita Cheesecake Bars without alcohol?You can indeed leave out the tequila and orange liqueur and still end up with awesome cheesecake bars.
• What can I use instead of graham crackers in the crust?You can use crushed digestive biscuits or any other similar cookie as a substitute.
• How should I store the cheesecake bars?Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no longer than 5 days.
• Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?Indeed, bind them snugly and place them in the freezer for as long as two months. Prior to serving them, allow them to defrost in the fridge.
• Is it necessary to use fresh lime juice?Using fresh lime juice is recommended for optimum flavor. However, you may use bottled lime juice if you have no fresh limes on hand.
• Can I use low-fat cream cheese?Indeed, it may have an impact on the texture and richness of the cheesecake.

Margarita Cheesecake Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 and 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers could be replaced with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. These items are similar enough in texture and flavor that they can easily serve as stand-ins in recipes where you want a buttery, slightly sweet crunch. They could hold their own in a cross-section of dessert. But would they? Well, let’s find out.
1/4 cup granulated sugar can be replaced with 1/4 cup honey or 1/4 cup syrup from agave.
3/4 cup of granulated sugar can be replaced with 3/4 cup of coconut sugar.
1/4 cup fresh lime juice can be replaced with 1/4 cup lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
A non-alcoholic version can be made by substituting 2 tablespoons of tequila with 2 tablespoons of orange juice.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before beginning the mixing process. This will help them blend more smoothly and create a creamy, lump-free filling.

2. Zest Wisely When zesting the lime, be careful only to zest the outer green layer. The white pith beneath is bitter and can affect the overall taste of the cheesecake bars.

3. Press the Crust Evenly When pressing the graham cracker mixture into the pan, use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to ensure the crust is evenly spread and firmly packed. This helps it hold together well after baking.

4. Avoid Over-Baking Keep a close eye on the bars while baking. They should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool, preventing cracks in the cheesecake.

5. Chill Thoroughly Make sure to chill the bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the cheesecake to set properly before slicing.