Short Description
Lime Bars are a tangy and refreshing dessert with a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, citrusy filling. These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Serve them chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Refreshing: The zesty lime flavor is both sweet and tart.
- Perfect Texture: A buttery shortbread crust pairs beautifully with the smooth, custard-like filling.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, picnics, or a light dessert after a meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the tartness or add food coloring for a vibrant presentation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) butter, cut into 8 pieces
For the Filling:
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- ⅔ cup (159ml) fresh lime juice
- Drop of green (+ yellow) food coloring (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease or line an 11×7-inch or 8 to 9-inch square glass baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust
- In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter.
- Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Press evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Prepare the Filling
- While the crust bakes, whisk together the sugar and flour in a mixing bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and food coloring (if using) until smooth.
4. Bake the Lime Bars
- Pour the filling over the hot crust.
- Return to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles.
5. Cool and Chill
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.
6. Serve
- Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 36-40 minutes
- Cooling & Chilling Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 3-4 hours
Variations
- Lemon-Lime Bars: Substitute half of the lime juice with lemon juice for a citrus blend.
- Coconut Lime Bars: Stir ½ cup shredded coconut into the crust for added texture.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Swap the shortbread crust for a graham cracker crust for a different flavor.
- Extra Tart: Add an extra ½ teaspoon of lime zest for a bolder citrus kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Serving Tip: Lime bars taste best when chilled, but can be served at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
What type of limes should I use?
Key limes or Persian limes work well, but Persian limes are more common and easier to juice.
Why do I need to pour the filling over a hot crust?
Pouring over a hot crust helps the custard set evenly and prevents separation.
How do I get clean slices when cutting?
Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat edges.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Do I have to use food coloring?
No, the bars will have a natural yellowish-green hue without it.
Why is my filling runny?
The bars may need more baking time. Bake until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The filling should be firm and not jiggle when gently shaken.
Can I add a topping?
Yes! Try whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
Conclusion
Lime Bars are a refreshing, citrusy dessert with a buttery crust and a smooth lime-infused filling. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave a bright, tangy treat, these bars are easy to make and always a crowd favorite. Try them today for a delicious and elegant dessert!
Print
Lime Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 36-40 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lime Bars are bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet with a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, citrusy custard filling. A refreshing twist on classic lemon bars, they’re perfect for summer gatherings, tea parties, or whenever you crave a zesty treat!
Ingredients
These Lime Bars are bright, tangy, and perfectly sweet with a buttery shortbread crust and a smooth, citrusy custard filling. A refreshing twist on classic lemon bars, they’re perfect for summer gatherings, tea parties, or whenever you crave a zesty treat!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, cut into 8 pieces
For the Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 2/3 cup (159ml) fresh lime juice
- Drop of green & yellow food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease or line an 11×7-inch or 8 to 9-inch square glass baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang for easy removal.
-
Make the Crust
- In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter.
- Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Press evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Prepare the Filling
- While the crust bakes, whisk together sugar and flour in a medium bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and food coloring (if using) until smooth.
-
Bake the Bars
- Pour the filling over the hot crust and return to the oven.
- Bake for another 18-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles.
-
Chill & Serve
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Using parchment paper makes it easy to remove the bars for cutting.
- Pouring the filling over a hot crust ensures an even, smooth custard.
- For a stronger lime flavor, use a microplane zester to finely grate the lime zest.
- Food coloring is optional—without it, the bars will have a natural yellow hue.
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