Easy Key SubLIME Squares

This recipe is easy and results in a light and flavorful lime-based dessert square that's easy to cut and serve.  I was actually developing a recipe for a Lucky Leaf contest and realized after I finished that the particular product I used (Lucky Leaf Key Lime Pie Filling) didn't qualify.  The contest specifically requires a "fruit pie filling & topping" product, so I have another similar idea in mind with one of the qualifying products.  Since I was so happy with this one, I thought I would share it.

First, the ingredients:

For the crust:
 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 stick of melted butter

For the filling:
1 (21 oz.) can Lucky Leaf Key Lime pie filling
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 oz.) brick of softened cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons lime juice
Optional:  3 drops green food coloring

To make the crust, combine all the crust ingredients into a medium bowl and stir well with a fork until all crumbs are moistened.  Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with butter flavored non-stick cooking spray.  Pour the crumb mixture into the center of the dish and press into the bottom and halfway up the sides.  Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar and beat until smooth using a hand or stand mixer on high speed.  Add the pie filling, Eagle Brand milk, and lime juice and beat again just until smooth.  Add the eggs, beating again until smooth.  If using food coloring, add it and beat again.  Scrape sides and bottom of bowl and beat for another minute.

Remove baking dish from the fridge and pour the filling into the center.  Spread evenly.  Bake in a 350 degree oven on center rack for 30 minutes.

  The color should not change during baking.  Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 to 6 hours.

Cut into squares and sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.  Store in refrigerator. 

If you like these and want to up the pucker power, next time you make them, just add another tablespoon of lime juice and that should do the trick!  They cut beautifully.  I used a cookie spatula to remove the cut squares from the baking dish. 

Now, back to the kitchen to develop that contest recipe using a qualifying ingredient......