Zesty Lime Citrus Bars (Printable Version)
Bright, tangy lime filling over buttery shortbread crust. Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Shortbread Crust
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Lime Citrus Filling
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 3 large eggs
09 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
10 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest
11 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
→ Topping
12 - Powdered sugar for dusting
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in diced butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 15-18 minutes until just golden at the edges. Let cool slightly.
04 - Whisk together granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder. Add eggs, lime juice, lemon juice, and lime zest. Whisk until smooth.
05 - Pour filling over the baked crust. Bake for 18-20 minutes until set and slightly golden at the edges; the center should not jiggle.
06 - Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
07 - Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Cut into bars.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
- The way the tart lime cuts through sweet buttery crust feels like sunshine on a plate
- These keep beautifully in the fridge, meaning dessert is ready whenever you need something bright and finishing
02 -
- Pouring the filling onto a hot crust is essential because it starts setting immediately and helps prevent a soggy bottom layer
- Room temperature eggs whisk into the filling more easily and create a smoother texture than cold eggs straight from the fridge
03 -
- If your crust crumbles when you try to cut the bars, let them chill longer or use a hot knife run under hot water and wiped dry between slices
- A pinch of sea salt in the filling creates that restaurant quality sweet salty contrast that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is