Lime Bars with Tangy Lime Custard and Shortbread Crust Recipe
Lime Bars are a zesty twist on the classic lemon bars. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a smooth, tangy lime custard, these bars are easy to make and perfect for a refreshing dessert. Chilled until set, they offer a bright citrus flavor that’s both sweet and tart.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113 g) butter, cut into 8 pieces
Filling:
- 1 ¼ cup (250 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp lime zest
- ⅔ cup (159 ml) fresh lime juice
- Drop of green (and yellow) food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 11×7-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper that overhangs 2 inches on both sides to allow easy removal of bars.
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk sugar and flour together in a bowl. Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in lime zest, fresh lime juice, and optionally a drop of green (and yellow) food coloring. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Filling: Pour the lime filling over the hot crust right after it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 18 to 20 minutes until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when moved.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate the bars for 1 to 2 hours to fully chill and firm up.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 12 bars, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve chilled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Using fresh lime juice and zest enhances the bright citrus flavor.
- The food coloring is optional and only for aesthetic purposes.
- Chilling the bars ensures they set perfectly and are easier to cut.
- Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- You can substitute key lime juice for a more tart flavor variation.
