Introduction

These zesty lime bars offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet with a buttery shortbread crust. They’re refreshing, easy to make, and ideal for any occasion that calls for a bright, citrusy treat.

The image shows a stack of three lime bars with three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a light beige shortbread crust, the middle layer is a bright green lime filling, and the top layer is a dusting of white powdered sugar giving a soft texture on top. The bars are cut into square shapes and placed on a white marbled surface with more lime bars in the background. There is a wedge of fresh lime nearby and a bowl of whole green limes blurred in the back. A woman's hand is not visible but a white-handled sifter with powdered sugar is placed in the front corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 11×7-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides for easy removal.
Step 2: To make the crust, combine 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Press it evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 3: While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ¼ cup flour. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and food coloring if using, until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the filling over the hot crust and bake for another 18 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before cutting and serving. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out for easy slicing.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the crust mixture before baking.
If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a tablespoon more granulated sugar to the filling.
Try substituting lime juice with fresh lemon juice for a lemon bar twist.

Storage

Store lime bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re best served cold but can be brought to room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 1 month and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Serve

The image shows a white round cutting board with nine square lime bars arranged in three rows of three. Each bar has two layers: a bottom thin beige crust and a top thick light green creamy layer with a slightly textured surface. There is a light dusting of white powdered sugar on top. Around the cutting board are several lime wedges, bright green with white inner edges, and a metal sifter filled with powdered sugar, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor and brightness, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch. Just be sure it’s 100% lime juice without added sugars.

How do I know when the filling is fully baked?

The filling is done when it no longer jiggles in the center when you gently shake the pan. It should look set and slightly firm to the touch.

Lime Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 99 reviews

These tangy and sweet Lime Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a luscious lime filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh lime juice and zest, they make a refreshing dessert that’s easy to prepare and delightful to eat.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 11×7-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides for easy removal.
Make the crust: Combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
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 combine thoroughly. Stir in lime zest, fresh lime juice, and a drop of green (and yellow if desired) food coloring until smooth.
Bake the filling: Pour the lime filling mixture over the hot crust. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
Cool and refrigerate: Let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour to firm up. Then, refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before serving. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift bars out of the pan for easy cutting and serving. Enjoy chilled.

Notes

Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled juice may alter taste.
Allow bars to cool completely before refrigerating for cleaner cuts.
Food coloring is optional and mainly for visual effect.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Lime Bars, citrus dessert, baked bars, tangy dessert, lime zest, easy dessert, summer dessert