Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares: The Ultimate No-Bake Summer Dessert
Get ready to embrace the warm weather with a dessert that screams summer! Today, we’re diving into a sensational recipe for Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares – a vibrant, tangy, and utterly refreshing treat that’s perfect for any sunny occasion. While I originally planned to share a recap from Food Blog Forum, these delectable squares simply couldn’t wait. Trust me, they’re far more exciting than any recap I could offer!
This delightful creation comes courtesy of the latest challenge from the Pass The Cookbook Club. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a fantastic monthly initiative where food bloggers come together to explore a chosen cookbook. Each month, our talented organizer, Kita, selects three recipes from the book, and we each pick one to bring to life and share with our readers. It’s a wonderful way to discover new dishes, hone our culinary skills, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts. This month, with summer just around the corner, we opted for a seasonal theme: frozen desserts!
Our chosen cookbook for this refreshing theme was Slushed!: More Than 150 Frozen, Boozy Treats for the Coolest Happy Hour Ever. A perfect pick for those hot summer days when you need a little something extra to cool down and unwind. From its many tempting options, I immediately gravitated towards the Frozen Key Lime Margarita Pie. However, with a party looming and a desire for easy serving, I decided to give it a slight, practical twist: transforming it into convenient and portable squares. And let me tell you, it was a stroke of genius!
One of my perpetual struggles is achieving a perfectly sliced, aesthetically pleasing pie. Bars, on the other hand? An 8×8 inch pan of bars is a breeze to slice and serve, making them an ideal party dessert. These Key Lime Margarita Squares were an absolute triumph at the gathering. I was genuinely surprised by the sheer number of key lime enthusiasts among my friends! The only minor feedback I had was that the tequila flavor was a bit subtle. So, if you’re truly aiming for that bold margarita punch, I highly recommend doubling the amount of tequila called for in the recipe. It will elevate these squares from simply delicious to truly unforgettable.
Why These Key Lime Margarita Squares Are a Must-Make This Summer
These squares are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. Imagine creamy, tart key lime filling perfectly balanced with a sweet graham cracker crust, all kissed with the subtle warmth of tequila. They’re a brilliant no-bake option, saving you from turning on your oven during sweltering summer days, and their frozen nature makes them incredibly refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a Memorial Day barbecue, a casual backyard get-together, or simply craving a cool treat, these squares are the answer. They offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors – creamy, tart, sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, their bar format means easy portioning and minimal mess, making them ideal for entertaining.
Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares Recipe
Erin Sellin
15 minutes
15 minutes
16
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Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup key lime juice
- 1 lime zested
- 2 Tablespoons tequila, optional (double for stronger flavor)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
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Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
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In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), add the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, key lime juice, lime zest, and tequila (if using). Beat on low speed until the ingredients just start to come together. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5 minutes, until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and fluffy.
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Carefully pour the creamy key lime filling over the chilled graham cracker crust in the baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Return the pan to the freezer and freeze overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours, until solid.
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To serve, use the foil overhangs to lift the frozen slab out of the pan. Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, making them easier to slice. Cut into 16 squares. Top each square with a dollop of whipped cream and a small lime zest or slice for garnish.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares
- For the Crust: Ensure the graham cracker crumbs are finely crushed. A food processor works best. Press the crust down very firmly into the pan to prevent it from crumbling when sliced.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Key Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed key lime juice is always best for flavor, but bottled key lime juice (not regular lime juice) works well too and is often easier to find.
- Tequila Adjustment: As mentioned, if you want a more pronounced margarita taste, feel free to increase the tequila from 2 tablespoons to 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup). For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila entirely. The flavor will still be fantastic!
- Freezing Time: Don’t rush the freezing process. Overnight is ideal to ensure the squares are firm enough to slice cleanly and hold their shape.
- Slicing: Letting the squares sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing is key. This softens them just enough so they don’t crack, but not so much that they become messy. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for the neatest presentation.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
While these squares are perfect as is, you can easily customize them:
- Crust Variations: Instead of graham crackers, try a shortbread cookie crust, vanilla wafer crust, or even a gingersnap crust for a different flavor profile.
- Toppings Galore: Beyond whipped cream, consider a sprinkle of toasted coconut, a drizzle of white chocolate, fresh berries, or candied lime slices.
- Non-Alcoholic Fun: For a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version, simply omit the tequila. You can add a tiny splash of lime extract if you want to boost the lime flavor even more, but it’s delicious without it.
- Individual Servings: Instead of an 8×8 pan, you could press the crust into individual muffin liners for mini key lime bites. Adjust freezing and softening times accordingly.
Storage
These Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares store beautifully. Keep any leftovers tightly covered in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks. When ready to enjoy, simply remove from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 155mg | Sugar: 11g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
15 minutes
15 minutes
Dessert Recipes
American
16
205
key lime margarita, no bake, frozen dessert
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These Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares are truly a fantastic way to welcome summer. Their vibrant flavor, easy preparation, and delightful chill make them an instant crowd-pleaser. Give them a try for your next warm-weather gathering, and prepare to impress!
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