Lime Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tangy and Sweet: The creamy lime filling provides a perfect blend of tartness and sweetness, satisfying your citrus cravings.​
• Buttery Shortbread Crust: The sturdy shortbread base complements the lime filling, adding a rich, buttery flavor.​
• Versatile Citrus Options: This recipe serves as a base for experimenting with other citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, or grapefruits.​

Ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar​
• ¼ teaspoon salt​
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces​

Filling:

• 1¼ cups granulated sugar​
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour​
• 4 large eggs​
• 2 teaspoons lime zest​
• ⅔ cup fresh lime juice​
• A drop of green food coloring (optional, for a vibrant hue)​

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).​
   • In a medium bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt.​
   • Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.​
   • Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.​
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.​

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and flour.​
   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.​
   • Stir in lime zest and lime juice.​
   • If desired, add a drop of green food coloring and mix until evenly colored.

3. Assemble and Bake:

   • Pour the lime filling over the baked crust.​
   • Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles.​
   • Remove from the oven and let cool completely.​

4. Serve:

   • Once cooled, cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar if desired.​
   • Enjoy your homemade lime bars!​

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 12 bars​
• Prep Time: 15 minutes​
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes​
• Total Time: 1 hour​

Variations

• Citrus Alternatives: Replace lime juice and zest with lemon, orange, or grapefruit for different flavor profiles.​
• Crust Enhancements: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture for a warm, spiced undertone.​
• Topping Ideas: Consider topping with whipped cream, toasted coconut, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.​

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.​

Are these bars very sweet?

They have a balanced sweetness with a tangy lime kick, but you can adjust the sugar to your taste.​

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.​

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure the crust is fully baked and slightly cooled before adding the filling.​

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, but you can experiment with other flours at your discretion.​

Conclusion

These lime bars are a delightful dessert that combines a rich, buttery crust with a refreshing lime filling. Their tangy-sweet flavor and satisfying texture make them a must-try for any citrus lover.

---

Print