Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lime bars have everything you want in a dessert: a buttery, crumbly crust and a zesty, refreshing lime filling that’s both tart and sweet. The balance of flavors is perfect, and the dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch of sweetness. They are easy to prepare and make for an eye-catching dessert at parties, picnics, or casual get-togethers. Plus, they can be made in advance, which is always a bonus for busy hosts!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
⅓ cup fresh lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
1 tbsp lime zest
Powdered sugar for dusting

(Tip: Make sure your limes are at room temperature for easier juice extraction.)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough paper hanging over the edges for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, lime juice, and lime zest until well combined and smooth.
Once the crust is baked, pour the lime filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake the lime bars for an additional 20-22 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up.

Step 5: Dust and Serve

Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into 16 squares.
Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 16 bars
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Extra Zesty Flavor: Increase the amount of lime zest in the filling for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Decorative Touch: For an added decorative touch, garnish the top of the lime bars with thinly sliced lime wheels.
Lemon Version: For a twist, swap the lime juice and zest for lemon juice and zest for a more traditional lemon bar.
Gluten-Free Option: You can make these bars gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover lime bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The bars are best served chilled for the perfect texture.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these bars without lime zest?

While lime zest adds a nice depth of flavor, you can make the bars without it. Just increase the lime juice to make up for the missing flavor.

How do I make sure the filling is set?

The filling should be slightly firm but still a little wobbly in the center when it’s done baking. You can also do the “toothpick test”—insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are done.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes?

Fresh lime juice is best for the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh limes on hand, bottled lime juice will work as well.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These lime bars are great for making ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How can I make the crust more flavorful?

Add a pinch of cinnamon or a little vanilla extract to the crust for extra flavor.

Conclusion

These Lime Bars are the perfect dessert to refresh your menu with a twist on the classic lemon bar. With their golden crust, tangy lime filling, and sweet powdered sugar dusting, these bars are sure to impress. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these lime bars are a must-try for any citrus lover!

Lime Bars Recipe

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Lime Bars offer a refreshing twist on classic lemon bars, with a buttery, crumbly crust and a tangy lime filling. These bars are a sweet, zesty treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
For the crust: Mix flour, powdered sugar, salt, and cold butter. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
For the filling: Whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, lime juice, and zest until smooth. Pour over the baked crust.
Bake for another 20-22 minutes until the filling is set. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Dust with powdered sugar and cut into 16 squares.