Lime Bars Recipe

Introduction

Lime bars are a bright and tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and a smooth, zesty lime filling, these bars are refreshing and easy to make. They’re great served chilled and dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter (cut into 8 pieces)
• 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp lime zest
• ⅔ cup fresh lime juice
• Drop of green (and yellow) food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 11×7-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang by 2 inches on both sides for easy removal.
2. Step 2: To make the crust, combine 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Step 3: While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and ¼ cup flour. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Then stir in lime zest, lime juice, and food coloring if using, mixing until smooth and combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the lime filling over the hot crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when shaken gently.
5. Step 5: Let the bars cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to firm up. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, cut into squares, and serve chilled. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best bright flavor.
• To keep the crust crumbly and tender, use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.
• Add a bit of yellow food coloring along with green to achieve a vibrant lime color.
• For an extra twist, sprinkle toasted coconut on top before chilling.

Storage

Store leftover lime bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They are best served cold or at room temperature. To reheat slightly, let them sit out for a few minutes or warm briefly in a low oven to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these lime bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust and filling with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Why is my lime filling too runny?

If the filling is too soft or runny, it may need longer baking time. Make sure the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle before removing it from the oven. Also, be precise with the flour measurement in the filling to help it thicken.

Lime Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews

These tangy and sweet Lime Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a vibrant lime filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh lime juice and zest, they make a refreshing treat ideal for dessert or snacks. The bars are baked to a golden crust with a smooth, set filling and are best served chilled for a crisp texture.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter (cut into 8 pieces)

Filling

• 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp lime zest
• ⅔ cup fresh lime juice
• Drop of green (+ yellow) food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 11×7-inch baking dish with parchment paper that overhangs 2 inches on both sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter. Pulse until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes until it turns golden brown.
3. Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together granulated sugar and flour in a bowl. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to achieve a smooth mixture. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and optional food coloring until fully combined.
4. Bake the Filling: Pour the lime filling over the hot baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 18 to 20 minutes or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
5. Cool and Chill: Let the lime bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. After cooling, refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the filling to fully set and enhance the flavors.
6. Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 12 squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

• To prevent sticking, ensure the parchment paper overhang on the baking dish is sufficient to lift the bars easily.
• If you prefer a more tart or sweeter filling, adjust the lime juice and sugar quantities to your taste.
• Adding a drop of green and yellow food coloring is optional but gives the bars a vibrant lime color.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best freshness.
• The crust can be pre-baked one day in advance and kept at room temperature in an airtight container.

Keywords: lime bars, dessert, citrus dessert, lime zest, shortbread crust, baked lime bars