Description
These zesty lime bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a smooth and tangy lime filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh lime juice and zest, they are a refreshing dessert ideal for any occasion. Chilled to set, these bars offer a bright citrus flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease or line an 11×7-inch baking dish with parchment paper that overhangs 2 inches on both sides for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Then add the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and a drop of green and yellow food coloring if desired. Mix until smooth and combined.
- Bake the Filling: Pour the lime filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for an additional 2 hours to fully chill and set.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and serve cold. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- Food coloring is optional and purely for appearance; omit if you prefer a natural look.
- Make sure to chill the bars well to achieve clean, firm slices.
- The crust can be made a day ahead and refrigerated before adding the filling.
- Substitute butter with a non-dairy margarine for a dairy-free version, though texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
