Lime Bars with Tangy Lime Custard and Shortbread Crust

 

If you love a zesty, refreshing dessert that balances sweet and tart perfectly, you are going to adore this Lime Bars with Tangy Lime Custard and Shortbread Crust Recipe. With a buttery shortbread base and a wonderfully bright lime custard on top, each bite bursts with energizing citrus flavor that feels like a sunny day for your taste buds. This recipe is deceptively simple but utterly satisfying, making it a staple to impress friends or enjoy as a special treat anytime you crave something both creamy and crisp.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Lime Bars with Tangy Lime Custard and Shortbread Crust Recipe is essential, but you’ll find everything is straightforward and pantry-friendly. Each component plays a special role—from the buttery crust that provides the perfect crispness to the fresh lime juice that gives the custard its vibrant zing.

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour: The foundation for your crumbly, tender shortbread crust.
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps the crust hold together beautifully.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the buttery notes.
• ½ cup (113 g) butter, cut into pieces: The star of the crust, creating that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 ¼ cup (250 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the tangy lime custard just right.
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the lime filling for that perfect custard consistency.
• 4 large eggs: Give the filling structure and richness.
• 2 tsp lime zest: Intensifies the lime flavor with aromatic oils.
• ⅔ cup (159 ml) fresh lime juice: The heart of the tangy lime custard, providing real freshness.
• Drop of green and yellow food coloring (optional): Adds a fun, vibrant hue without affecting the flavor.

How to Make Lime Bars with Tangy Lime Custard and Shortbread Crust Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line an 11×7-inch baking dish with parchment paper leaving about a 2-inch overhang on both sides. This makes lifting the bars out later a breeze, ensuring your beautiful bars come out clean and intact every time.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

For the crust, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter in a food processor or bowl. Pulse or mix until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This crumbly mixture is what will form your crisp, buttery base. Press it evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until you see a lovely golden-brown hue. This pre-baking is crucial to set the crust so it supports the custard filling without becoming soggy.

Step 3: Whisk the Lime Custard Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together the sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated, which gives the filling a smooth, creamy texture. Next, add in the fresh lime zest and juice, which pack that signature tang. If you want your bars to look as sunny as they taste, add a drop of green and yellow food coloring now—totally optional but so fun!

Step 4: Bake the Lime Custard Layer

Once the crust is hot and ready, pour your luscious lime filling on top and return the pan to the oven. Bake for another 18 to 20 minutes until the custard sets and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. This oven time lets the custard thicken perfectly while keeping its refreshing zing.

Step 5: Cool and Chill to Serve

After baking, allow the lime bars to cool completely right in the pan for about an hour. Then pop them into the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to chill and firm up. When you’re ready, use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out easily for cutting. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, sweet finishing touch that’s sure to delight.

How to Serve Lime Bars with Tangy Lime Custard and Shortbread Crust Recipe

Garnishes

These lime bars are naturally stunning, but a few garnishes elevate them beautifully. Try a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few finely grated lime zest curls on top, or even a small dollop of freshly whipped cream for a creamy contrast. Fresh mint leaves can add a lovely green pop and a subtle herbal aroma that complements the lime perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your lime bars with simple sides that won’t overwhelm but instead enhance their bright flavors. A cup of hot herbal tea, like chamomile or jasmine, can balance the tartness wonderfully. For a summery dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a chilled coconut sorbet—both lighten up the palate and make for a refreshing combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, get creative by cutting the bars into bite-sized squares or using mini tart pans to create individual portions. You can also drizzle leftover lime syrup or a thin glaze made with powdered sugar and lime juice over the top to add shine and extra zing. Serving the bars on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant ceramic plate brings a fun, festive vibe that friends will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your lime bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Their texture stays delightfully crisp and creamy, making for a fantastic second-day treat with flavors even more melded and intense. Keep them chilled until serving to preserve that fresh custard tang.

Freezing

If you want to keep the lime bars longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the perfect balance of custard softness and shortbread crunch.

Reheating

Lime bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is usually not necessary. However, if you prefer to warm them slightly, pop a bar into the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften but not melt the custard, keeping that delightful tang intact.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice for this recipe?

While fresh lime juice provides the brightest, most vibrant flavor for this Lime Bars with Tangy Lime Custard and Shortbread Crust Recipe, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch. Just be sure it’s 100% lime juice without added sugars to maintain the tangy balance.

What type of butter works best for the crust?

Use unsalted butter for full control over the saltiness in your crust. It should be cold and cut into small pieces to blend evenly and produce that perfect crumbly texture for your shortbread base.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the crust intact.

Why does the lime custard need to bake twice?

Actually, the crust is baked first to set and get golden, then the lime custard filling bakes on top to thicken and set properly. This two-step bake ensures your crust stays crisp and the filling firms up without becoming runny.

How do I know when the custard is done baking?

The filling is perfectly baked when it no longer jiggles in the center when you gently shake the pan. It will still be tender and creamy but set enough to slice cleanly once chilled.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that is both simple to make and bursting with fresh, zesty flavor, this Lime Bars with Tangy Lime Custard and Shortbread Crust Recipe is calling your name. It’s a delightful way to brighten up any gathering or treat yourself after a long day. Once you try it, these lime bars will likely become your go-to citrus dessert, radiating sunshine with every bite. Give it a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!

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