Description
Margarita Dessert Bars are a refreshing treat that captures the tangy zest of lime, the subtle sweetness of agave, and a hint of tequila in a creamy, no-fuss dessert bar with a graham cracker crust and a salted whipped cream topping. This guide provides a comprehensive recipe and tips for making the best margarita dessert bars at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons tequila (silver or blanco recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- Pinch of salt
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/3 cup granulated sugar.
- Add melted butter and mix until crumbs are moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
- Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and beat until combined.
- Add sour cream and beat until smooth.
- Incorporate lime juice, tequila, lime zest, and orange extract. Beat until well combined.
- Add a pinch of salt and green food coloring (if using). Beat until smooth.
- Pour the filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon lime zest; beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled bars.
- Sprinkle the top with coarse sea salt.
- Cut the bars into desired portions.
- Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling.
- Do not overbake the crust.
- Chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for best results.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Experiment with different flavors like orange liqueur or other citrus zests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Estimate based on ingredients
- Sugar: Estimate based on ingredients
- Sodium: Estimate based on ingredients
- Fat: Estimate based on ingredients
- Saturated Fat: Estimate based on ingredients
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimate based on ingredients
- Trans Fat: Estimate based on ingredients
- Carbohydrates: Estimate based on ingredients
- Fiber: Estimate based on ingredients
- Protein: Estimate based on ingredients
- Cholesterol: Estimate based on ingredients
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