Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares: Your Ultimate No-Bake Summer Dessert
Apologies, dear readers! I know I promised you a delightful recap and photos from the Food Blog Forum last weekend. But I completely forgot about these irresistible delights lurking in my drafts! Today is a very special Pass The Cookbook Club day, and these Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares simply couldn’t wait. I hope you’ll forgive the delay on the recap – trust me, these little squares are infinitely more satisfying than any pictures I could show you right now! Don’t worry, the Food Blog Forum recap is definitely still coming, so keep an eye out for it either this Sunday or next Thursday.
Join the Culinary Adventure with Pass the Cookbook Club
For those unfamiliar, the Pass the Cookbook Club is a fantastic monthly gathering of food enthusiasts. Each month, our group selects a cookbook, and then our wonderful host, Kita, picks three recipes from it. We all get to choose which recipe we want to make, put our own spin on it, and then share our creations with all of you! It’s a wonderful way to explore new cookbooks, experiment with different flavors, and get inspired by what others create.
This month, we decided to embrace the approaching warmer weather and go seasonal. With summer just around the corner, what better theme could there be than frozen desserts? Our chosen book for this refreshing theme was Slushed!: More Than 150 Frozen, Boozy Treats for the Coolest Happy Hour Ever. As soon as I saw the title, I knew it would be a treasure trove of inspiration for those hot summer days, and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
Transforming a Classic into Convenient Squares
From the many tempting options in Slushed!, I gravitated towards the Frozen Key Lime Margarita Pie. However, I knew I’d be bringing this dessert to a party, and pies, while delicious, can often be a bit challenging to slice and serve neatly, especially when frozen. That’s why I decided to put a small twist on the original recipe and transform it into easy-to-handle squares. And let me tell you, it was an absolute stroke of genius!
Turning the pie into bars made serving a breeze and eliminated any worries about messy slices. I can confidently cut neat bars from an 8×8 inch pan, a skill far more reliable than my pie-slicing abilities. These Key Lime Margarita Squares were an undeniable hit at the party, far exceeding my expectations. I was genuinely surprised by how many key lime enthusiasts there were! The creamy, tart, and sweet flavors, combined with the refreshing chill, made them an instant favorite.
My only minor complaint? The tequila flavor was quite subtle. If you’re like me and prefer a bolder, more authentic margarita kick, I highly recommend doubling the amount of tequila the recipe calls for. This simple adjustment will elevate the “margarita” aspect without overwhelming the delicate key lime taste. These no-bake bars are quick to prepare, incredibly refreshing, and make the perfect addition to any summer gathering, especially for holidays like Memorial Day weekend. They truly are a great welcome to the summer season!
Why You’ll Love These Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares
- No-Bake Simplicity: Forget turning on the oven! This recipe requires no baking, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want to keep your kitchen cool.
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of active prep time, you can have these delicious squares ready to freeze in no time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of creamy, tart key lime with a hint of sweet tequila is universally loved. It’s a refreshing change from typical desserts.
- Easy to Serve: Unlike traditional pies, these squares are effortlessly portioned and served, making them ideal for potlucks, BBQs, and parties.
- Perfect for Summer: Their frozen nature makes them incredibly cooling and satisfying on a warm day. They taste like a vacation in every bite!
- Customizable: Easily adjust the amount of tequila to your preference, or experiment with different garnishes.
Tips for Perfect Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy filling. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you start.
- Press Crust Firmly: When pressing the graham cracker crust into the pan, make sure it’s tightly packed. This will help it hold together when sliced.
- Freeze Overnight for Best Results: While it might be tempting to pull them out sooner, freezing the bars overnight (at least 8 hours) ensures they are firm enough to slice cleanly and maintain their shape.
- Mind the Tequila: As mentioned, for a noticeable margarita flavor, consider doubling the tequila to 4 tablespoons. If serving to a wider audience or children, the original amount (or omitting it) is perfectly fine, as the key lime flavor is prominent.
- Serving Temperature: Let the frozen bars sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This slight thaw makes them easier to cut and improves their texture, making them creamy rather than rock-solid.
- Garnish Generously: A dollop of fresh whipped cream and a thin lime slice or zest not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor experience.
Recipe Variations to Explore
While the classic Key Lime Margarita Squares are fantastic as they are, feel free to get creative!
- Different Crusts: Instead of graham crackers, try using crushed shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers, or even chocolate cookies for a fun twist.
- Citrus Swaps: Experiment with other citrus juices like lemon or even orange for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they are fresh for the best taste.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Simply omit the tequila for a delicious family-friendly key lime dessert that everyone can enjoy. You can add a drop of lime extract to boost the lime flavor if desired.
- Berry Topping: A spoonful of fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries) on top of the whipped cream adds a burst of color and fruitiness.
- Coconut Twist: Add a couple of tablespoons of shredded coconut to your graham cracker crust for a tropical flair.
Storage Information
These frozen delights are best stored in the freezer. Keep them in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2-3 weeks. This makes them an excellent make-ahead dessert for any occasion!
Frozen Key Lime Margarita Squares
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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 (for a stronger margarita flavor, consider doubling this!)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
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Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
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In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and the crumbs are moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Place the crust in the freezer to chill 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, fresh lime zest, and tequila (if using, remember to double for a stronger flavor!). Beat on low speed until the ingredients just start to come together. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Pour the creamy key lime filling over the chilled graham cracker crust in the prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or foil and freeze overnight (or for at least 8 hours) until firm.
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To serve, remove the pan from the freezer. Use the foil overhang to lift the entire block of squares out of the pan. Let the frozen block sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before slicing. This will make cutting easier and prevent cracking. Slice into 16 squares and top each with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and an optional lime garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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