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Gluten-Free Key Lime Cheesecake Bars (Vegan)

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Today it’s about Gluten-Free Key Lime Cheesecake Bars. Do you know Cara of Fork and Beans? Chances are you do if you’re gluten free and dairy free, gluten free and egg free, or gluten free and vegan, because Cara is truly a recipe magician in these areas.

And, thankfully, the word on talented gluten-free bloggers who can help you create fantastic recipes that meet your special needs tends to spread fast! You’ll know I’m right when you take a look at Cara’s gluten-free Key Lime Cheesecake Bars!

Gluten-Free Key Lime Cheesecake Bars. Cara (Fork and Beans) combines two favorites--cheesecake and key lime--in this decadent gluten-free vegan recipe. (Photo from Kristina Sloggett of Spabettie.)

Key Lime Cheesecake Bars
(Recipe from Cara Reed; photo graciously provided by Kristina Sloggett of Spabettie)

Although I’ve been checking out Cara’s brilliant recipes for a while from afar, we only connected several months ago. It turns out that she and I had sort of a mutual fan club thing going on and we didn’t even know it, so it was really fun to finally connect via a Facebook comment. I have hardly missed a post or recipe of Cara’s since and that’s a good thing because, again, her recipes are amazing!

Well, I have some very exciting news for you today! Cara’s first cookbook Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking:  Delicious Gluten-, Egg-, and Dairy-Free Treats and Sweets has been released this very day! How honored I am to be sharing my review with you, one of the luscious recipes from her cookbook, and hosting a giveaway as well.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of Cara’s book. Right before I headed out for a pedicure recently, our mail lady showed up with my copy. Delighted at its arrival and the timing, I happily took it along with me.

While I was getting my feet pampered, I indulged in reading Cara’s beautiful cookbook. What an absolute treat that was! Reading beautiful cookbooks is one of my favorite things in the world and Cara’s cookbook pleases and entertains throughout.

Sometimes cookbook authors “phone home” their cookbooks or they’re too impersonal. Not Cara. You can “hear her” in all the words in this cookbook, especially in her introductions to her recipes.

Celine Steen does a lovely job with the photos of all the recipes. The styling is simpler than Cara’s own photo styling but similar to what she uses on her blog.

Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking Cara Reed Fork and Beans

I have the privilege of sharing Cara’s Key Lime Cheesecake Bars with you today.  Yes, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan Key Lime Cheesecake Bars. I did make a few simple changes to her recipe so that it would work better for me personally.

To make it grain free, I used my friend Elana’s Paleo Graham Crackers. Instead of vegan butter, I used slightly less coconut oil (liquefied). My changes worked just fine and Cara’s Key Lime Cheesecake Bars were just wonderful.

A bit of history … the first raw dessert I ever sampled was a Raw Key Lime Cheesecake that one of my support group members made. When I tasted Cara’s Key Lime Cheesecake Bars, I was instantly taken back to the moment when I took my first bite of that cheesecake. The flavors and textures in both recipes were simply awesome.

If you’ve never used soaked cashews in a recipe before, you’re in for a surprise and a treat! When combined with water, soaked, drained, and processed in a blender, the cashews becomes the creamiest dairy-free, egg-free, vegan base you could imagine. They’re amazing really.

However, the soaked cashews are just one key component of Cara’s fantastic bars. Hello … Key Lime! If you’re a Key Lime dessert lover, this recipe is for you. (Be sure to check out more luscious gluten-free Key Lime dessert recipes.)

As leaving these bars in the refrigerator overnight is recommended, I suggest making the recipe early in the morning so at the end of the day you’ll have a delightful treat to enjoy, or making them in the evening so they’ll be ready when you wake up in the morning. (Scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe.)

I’ve shared two photos of Cara’s Key Lime Cheesecake Bars in today’s post. One is my snapshot of the photo from the cookbook. Without the whipped cream topping, I think it has more of a rustic appeal.

So I asked my friend Kristina of Spabettie who also reviewed Cara’s book  and shared the Key Lime Cheesecake Bars recipe if I could share her gorgeous photo. Because Kristina is a real sweetheart, she graciously agreed.

Her photo is the one that leads off this post. I think you’ll agree that her version of Cara’s bars, which are topped with Coconut Whipped Cream and twisted lime slices, have that classic, universal Key Lime Cheesecake appeal!

Hot Cocoa Snickerdoodles Cara Reed

Hot Cocoa Snickerdoodles from Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking
(reprinted with permission from Cara Reed and Page Street Publishing; photo by Celine Steen)

There are so many other recipes in this cookbook that I want to make once I’m back in full baking mode. (Summer heat usually tends to hinder my baking.) Snickerdoodles are one of my very favorite cookies, so the Hot Cocoa Snickerdoodles (shown above) are on my list. Plus, there are Maple-Nut Scones, Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins, Gingerbread Men, “Oreos,” and even Cara’s version of Pop-Tarts. I’m not going to give away the whole cookbook contents because I really want you to check it out yourself here.

Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking:  Delicious Gluten-, Egg-, and Dairy-Free Treats and Sweets Giveaway

UPDATE:  This giveaway is now closed.

Gluten-Free Key Lime Cheesecake Bars. Cara (Fork and Beans) combines two favorites--cheesecake and key lime--in this decadent gluten-free vegan recipe. [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]

My own photo of Celine Steen’s photo from Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking

Gluten-Free Key Lime Cheesecake Bars (Vegan) Recipe

Yield: 12 bars

Gluten-Free Key Lime Cheesecake Bars (Vegan)

Gluten-Free Key Lime Cheesecake Bars. Cara (Fork and Beans) combines two favorites--cheesecake and key lime--in this decadent gluten-free and vegan recipe. (Photo from Kristina Sloggett of Spabettie.)

From Cara Reed: "This is an homage to my dear friend Rose---someone I have known since we were 11 years old. This key lime flavor is totally her jam. Tart, sweet, creamy with a crunchy crust, these cheesecake bars are so packed with nutrients from the cashews, you would have no idea that you were eating something healthy."

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Inactive Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST

  • 1½ cups / 390 g gluten-free graham crackers (see notes), crushed 
  • ⅓ cup / 75 g vegan butter, melted
  • ¼ cup / 50 g granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp / 28 g brown sugar, packed

FOR THE LIME FILLING

  • 2½ cups / 640 g cashews, soaked for 1 to 2 hours
  • ½ cup / 120 ml lime juice
  • ¼ cup / 60 ml nondairy milk
  • ¼ cup / 60 ml agave nectar or maple syrup
  • 2 tsp / 7.5 ml vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 large limes
  • 2 tsp / 7.5 ml homemade green food coloring for more of a green hue (optional, page 161)
  • ⅓ cup / 80 ml unrefined coconut oil, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) . Grease an 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20 cm) pan.
  2. Combine all of the ingredients for the crust until well mixed. Press into the pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool.
  3. To make the filling, combine all the ingredients except for the coconut oil in a blender until completely smooth. If it is difficult to blend, add 1 tablespoon / 15 ml of water at a time until the mix is able to blend properly. Try not to add too much, though—you want a thick filling.
  4. Add the oil and blend until combined.
  5. Pour over crust, cover with foil and chill in the fridge for several hours until firm. If you can allow it to set overnight, that is ideal.
  6. Top with homemade Coconut Whipped Cream for a decadent treat.

Notes

Cara's recipe for gluten-free graham crackers is on page 49 of her cookbook.

Key Lime Cheesecake Bars recipe reprinted with permission from Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking by Cara Reed, Page Street Publishing (published August 5, 2014)

Photo graciously provided and reprinted with permission by Kristina Sloggett of Spabettie.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Shirley Braden
Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts

Originally published August 5, 2014; updated January 4, 2024.

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Comments

  1. Thia says

    I love cheesecake type recipes! Definitely my favorite gf/df/ef type of recipe. Thanks for this one! Looking forward to trying it.

    Reply

  3. Erin says

    I would love to learn how to make a GF and vegan cheesecake to resemble the old fashioned new york style cheesecake I used to know and love. For now though, my favorite GF/Vegan recipe to make is chocolate fudge with coconut milk…. mmmmm mmmm

    Reply

  5. Marsha A. says

    the most amazing gluten free vegan recipe I have ever tasted was Mac & cheese made with gluten free pasta, nondairy milk and nutritional yeast. Yum it was good

    Reply

  8. Kathy says

    This sounds so wonderful. I am trying to keep my sugar to a minimum. I wonder if I could make this with lo han or stevia. I just love lime and lemon desserts and this is perfect, with my gluten-free and dairy-free life-style.

    Reply

  9. Laurel says

    Hm… you ask tough questions. The best, gee. Jeanine’s Chocolate Gingerbread Bundt cake which I made vegan? Pecan, coconut, cream cheese brownies which I also made vegan and gluten free? However I haven’t tried Cara’s Cinnamon Rolls yet and that’s a treat I’m really looking forward to.

    Reply

  12. Dorothy says

    The most amazing gf dessert I’ve had is a deep dark chocolate tart from the nourishing gourmet. Sooo yum. I would love a chance to make more delicious food like that!

    Reply

  13. Andrea Wyckoff says

    I love everything Cara at Fork and Beans makes! She creates such beautiful recipes!! I can’t wait to see her new book!!

    Favorite Vegan Dessert: Raw Key Lime Pie!
    Favorite vegan / gluten recipe: Tahini Thai Sauce with Coconut Wrapped Veggies!

    Liked on facebook, following on twitter, and tweeted!!

    Reply

  14. Sheri Szalkowski says

    I would love to learn how to make gluten free brownies and chocolate chips cookies. I am just learning about gluten free and I need my favorite sweets to survive.

    Reply

  19. Beverly says

    Hmmm…I’ve enjoyed lots of GF/vegan food! What’s coming to mind are Chocolate Covered Katie’s Black Bean Brownies.

    Reply

  22. Alisa Fleming says

    Honestly, I can’t think of a “best ever”. I adore cookie dough balls, vanilla ice cream, crisp, and raw cheesecake (all dairy-free, gluten-free + vegan) equally, so please don’t make me choose 🙂

    Reply

  23. Janet says

    I would like a gluten free, vegan and dairy free chocolate cake with frosting. YUM! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    Reply

  25. Christina P. says

    I have the best ever recipe for carrot cake but I would love a fabulous gluten free recipe for carrot cake!

    Reply

  36. Tracey says

    I would love someone to make a gluten free version of Italian Custard Cream Horns or “Cannoncini”. I can’t wait to see it pop up in my FB feed as I’ve liked your page for over a year now 🙂

    Reply

  40. Karen says

    The recipe I’m looking for but not finding is a chocolate ‘cheesecake’ with peanut butter swirls made with cashew or macadamia nuts as the base. I’ve got several recipes for cashew or macadamia ‘cheesecake’ but they don’t easily translate to peanut butter with the rich fudgy chocolate swirl. Ok. I can add the fudgy swirl. I got that. I have a crust. But I NEED that peanutbutter pseudo ‘cheesecake’. PLEASE? The book sounds wonderful and I’ll be making the Key Lime bars.

    Reply

  46. Vicky says

    I LOVE Cara’s recipes, she is so innovative! This book is on my wish list so I would LOVE to win a copy!

    I would really like to see a recipe for vegan and gluten free French bread – it’s the thing I miss the most!

    Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!

    Vicky xo

    Reply

  51. Jessica Smeak says

    Most amazing: mac and cheese by Renee’s kitchen also, chicken tenders by Allergy Free Alaska

    I am “dying” for someone to make a dorito like chip that is gluten/dairy free–also mashed potatoes that tastes creamy

    Reply

  54. Jan Eisler says

    Not many “great” cookbooks and/or recipes that meet gf/dairy free/egg free! This celiac/dairy intolerant person would love to win this Book and continue on my healthy lifestyle!!

    Reply

  57. Anita Praisler says

    I liked u on Facebook. I would love to win this cook book. I have just been diagnosed with wheat & gluten intolerance about a month ago. I am still learning how to cook gf. It is a challenge. So far vanilla wafer cookies have been my favorite.

    Reply

  63. Miz Helen says

    Hi Shirley,
    We love the Key Lime flavor and it is perfect for your Cheesecake Bars. I will be pinning this awesome recipe! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great day!
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply

  66. val says

    I already like GFE on Facebook…and follow it daily…Shirley is the best!
    So far, have not really played much with gf/df desserts because so many seem not worth the time and effort. But these key lime bars look awesome! And the one dessert that never disappoints me is Coconut Bliss icecream!!! LOL…

    Reply

  69. Susan says

    Just recently became gluten and egg-free (doctor’s orders), so I have very few recipes in my arsenal and I’d love some great cookie recipes I could enjoy along with my 3 little kiddos!

    Reply

  70. shastina gamble says

    My favorite gluten free/vegan desert is the silk chocolate pie from makingthymeforhealth.com
    I am already a fan of gfe on facebook 🙂

    Reply

  71. Cindy Kagey says

    I would love for someone to make a gluten free/vegan version of “Hello Dolly Cookies”. (I’ve also heard them called 5 layer cookies) There is a graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, coconut, nuts, and sweetened condensed milk.

    Reply

  74. Simona says

    I think it has to be a vegan gluten free doughnut covered in chocolate from a local bakery. It is just amazing!

    Reply

  77. Janet G says

    I would love to see a GF recipe for a Croquembouche, I once made this as a birthday cake but I’m now GF I would love to make it again but I haven’t been able to convert it yet.

    Reply

  78. christi c says

    I am just now getting into the gluten free living, because of stomach issues. I am having a hard time finding foods to fix that doesn’t take like cardboard. I could use some really good bread and cookie recipes 🙂 I have liked your page for awhile, thanks for the posts!

    Reply

  82. Jane Kreyling says

    And I pinned the recipe for a bridal shower I am throwing for my gf niece. I need the cookbook for more recipes! And then to give to her for her wishing well!

    Reply

  83. Heather says

    I am an old hand at gluten free (15 years) but new to gluten free and vegan for my family! I would love an alternative for pumpkin flan, a favourite-gluten free but not vegan Thanksgiving treat. We love it more than pumpkin pie!! 3 gluten free and one vegan in my immediate family!

    Thank you!!

    Reply

  85. Dori says

    Alas, my perfect recipes would be something to take the place of popcorn…and peanut butter:(. I haven’t had many vegan recipes other than energy balls and coconut milk ice cream, but the cookies on the cover look yummy! Reminds me of an old fashioned molasses cookie I made back in the gluten days. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  88. Jan Eisler says

    I won a copy of the Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking – Can’t wait to get my copy in the mail and start baking and posting the reactions from the family!! So happy!! Jan

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Congrats again, Jan! You will definitely want to get baking as soon as your copy of Cara’s amazing cookbook arrives. I hope everyone loves her recipes. I am sure they will! 😉

      Shirley

      Reply

  89. Miz Helen says

    Congratulations!
    Your Recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you enjoy your weekend and your new Red Plate!
    Come Back Soon,
    Miz Helen

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      What fun, Miz Helen! Thanks so much! I am sure that Cara will tickled to see this recipe from her new cookbook highlighted on Full Plate Thursdays! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

  90. Jane Kreyling says

    I can’t believe I won the cookbook giveaway! I can’t wait to try the recipes so I can LAN my nieces bridal shower.

    Reply

    • Shirley says

      Hi Jane–Congrats! Making recipes for your niece’s bridal shower sounds like a great way to start using Cara’s delicious recipes! 🙂

      Shirley

      Reply

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