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A unique twist on the classic lemon bars recipe, these tangy lime bars are perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to winter holiday parties! Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty lime filling, this dessert is sure to become a household favorite. Top with powdered sugar for extra yums!
So you've all heard of lemon bars, but have you ever tried lime bars?? They're hands down my new favorite way of using up leftover limes (apart from a thirst quenching margarita obviously đ). This dessert is literally the exact same thing as a lemon bar but just swap the citrus for a new twist!
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What You'll Need
- Citrus juicer - For getting all that tangy juice out of those fresh limes.
- Zester - Honestly the most important thing in this recipe! Necessary for fresh lime zest.
- Stand Mixer - For optimal filling smoothness and light, buttery shortbread crust.
Tips and Tricks
Make sure to use fresh limes and zest them right before using. This will give you the most vibrant and fresh lime flavor. Oh and don't skimp on the zest - it's where most of the tangy flavor comes from!
When mixing the filling, make sure to only mix until just combined and smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense and eggy texture.
Also, when baking, keep a close eye on the bars - they can get overbaked very quickly. You want the center to have a slight jiggle to it when you take them out of the oven. It'll set at it cools!
Commonly Asked Questions
YES! Scroll down to the freezing and storage section to find out how to freeze them.
You can, however for this recipe you need lime zest to add more tangy flavor without adding to much liquid. So, you'll have the limes anyway!
You'd be shocked how often I get this question đ. Yes, course you can. Swap out the lime juice and zest for the same amount of lemon juice and zest. Or head over to my lemon bars recipe!
Freezing and Storage
It's best to allow your lime bars to cool completely before storing them. This will prevent any moisture buildup, which can cause them to become soggy. Once cooled, take a piece of parchment paper and place it between each layer of bars to prevent them from sticking together. Then wrap tightly in plastic wrap to keep them from drying out and place in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Guess what? You CAN freeze lime bars! For freezing, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag to ensure they don't dry out. They can be frozen for up to three months! Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
PrintEasy Zesty Lime Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12-16 Bars 1x
Description
A unique twist on the classic lemon bars recipe, these tangy lime bars are perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to winter holiday parties! Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a zesty lime filling, this dessert is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups white sugar
- â cup fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- â cup all-purpose flour
- Confectioners sugar, lime slices and zest to garnish
For the Crust
- ž cup unsalted butter, softened
- Âź cup granulated sugar
- â teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, leveled
Instructions
Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350ËF. Grease or line a 9X13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Using the paddle attachment, stir in flour and salt until combined.
- Press the crust mixture firmly onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish, evenly covering the surface.
- Place on a middle rack in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until just turning golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
Prepare the Filling
- While crust is cooling, make the filling: In a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, lime juice, and lime zest until completely combined.
- Add flour and whisk until smooth.
Bake the Bars
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Place on a middle rack in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set (a little jiggle is ok, it will firm up more as it cools). If the top starts to brown, place a piece of foil gently over the top of the baking pan.
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Remove and let cool completely. Once the pan is cool, cut into desired bar shape and dust liberally with confectioners sugar. Garnish with extra lime zest and lime slices as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bars
- Method: Baking
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