Lime Bars Recipe
These refreshing Lime Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a tangy, smooth lime filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, they are baked to a set, creamy finish and served chilled for a delightful treat.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, cut into 8 pieces
For the Filling
- 1¼ 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)
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease an 11×7-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs by about 2 inches on each side for easy bar removal.
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter pieces. Pulse until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it turns a golden brown color.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour in a bowl. Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and a drop of green plus yellow food coloring if desired, mixing until smooth and fully combined.
- Bake with Filling: Pour the lime filling evenly 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.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the lime bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before serving cold for the best texture and flavor. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan and cut into squares.
- Serve and Store: Dust the lime bars with powdered sugar if desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Notes
- Using fresh lime juice is critical for bright, authentic lime flavor.
- Food coloring is optional and used mainly for visual appeal.
- Ensure the filling is fully set before removing from the oven to avoid runny bars.
- Chilling bars improves the cutting and texture, giving clean slices.
- Store bars refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Keywords: lime bars, lime dessert, citrus bars, baked lime bars, summer dessert