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Lime Bars Recipe brings a sunny citrus bite to a classic dessert bar recipe, pairing a tender shortbread crust with a silky lime layer that slices cleanly and looks stunning on a platter. The result is a bright finish that feels at home at weeknight dinners and holiday desserts alike, delivering a neat square with a balanced tart‑sweet glow. Expect bakery‑style edges, a fine crumb, and a glossy top that dusts beautifully with powdered sugar.
Quick Facts / Recipe Snapshot
Total time ranges around one hour with cooling, and the pan yields party‑friendly squares that trim neatly for shareable treats. Difficulty is approachable for home bakers, with cost comparable to simple sweet recipes, and the method adapts easily to seasonal gatherings for baking recipes, fall desserts. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and clean cuts.
What Is the Lime Bars Recipe?
This dessert features a shortbread base topped with a citrus custard baked until softly set, yielding slices that hold shape without losing a tender bite. The style echoes classic lemon bars but swaps in lime for a distinctive floral acidity that makes these yummy sweets memorable. The interplay of buttery crust and fragrant lime curd gives an elegant, fancy dessert recipe vibe with minimal effort.
Origins & Inspiration
Citrus bar desserts evolved from custard‑topped shortbread traditions that traveled through bakeries and community cookbooks, eventually finding new life with lime. Modern American home baking embraced the quick set and easy slice, perfect for potlucks and holiday desserts where portability matters. Family stories often begin with a pan dusted at the table, a ritual that turns simple citrus into a small celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The flavor pops with lively citrus while remaining balanced, so one square satisfies without overwhelming the palate. The texture combines thin, delicate layers into a crisp‑tender bite that stays neat for dessert bar recipe sharing and gifting. It’s flexible for events, making it a reliable go‑to for baking recipes, fall desserts, and festive spreads.
Ingredients & Notes
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened; room temp aids even mixing and a tender shortbread.
- 2 cups (240 g) all‑purpose flour; weigh for accuracy and a fine crumb.
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar; dissolves smoothly for a delicate crust.
- 1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch; helps tenderness and cleaner cuts.
- 1/4 tsp fine salt; balances sweetness in crust and filling.
- 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar; brightens the citrus layer.
- 4 large eggs; room temperature for even setting in the custard.
- 1 tbsp finely grated lime zest; perfumes the filling.
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) fresh lime juice; use fresh for best aroma and acidity.
- 3 tbsp all‑purpose flour; lightly thickens the filling for sharp slices.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting; a thin veil enhances presentation for holiday desserts.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Prep and pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13‑inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for lifting.
- Make crust: Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Mix flour, cornstarch, and salt, then add to butter and blend just to a soft dough.
- Bake crust: Press dough into an even layer. Bake 18–20 minutes until edges are lightly golden; set pan on a rack.
- Mix filling: Whisk sugar, flour, and salt. Add eggs one at a time, then whisk in lime zest and lime juice until smooth and glossy.
- Bake to set: Pour filling over hot crust. Bake 20–24 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle and the edges are set.
- Cool and finish: Cool to room temp, then chill for clean cuts. Lift by parchment, dust lightly with powdered sugar, and slice into squares.
Tips for Perfect Lime Bars Every Time
Weigh flour to prevent a dense crust and keep the crumb delicate. Whisk the filling gently to avoid large bubbles, which preserves a smooth surface ideal for dessert bar recipe presentation. Chill fully before slicing to achieve tidy edges that suit baking recipes fall desserts display.
Variations, Swaps & Add‑Ins
Swap half the lime juice for lemon to create a citrus blend with layered aroma and brightness. Add toasted coconut flakes to the crust for a tropical spin that complements holiday dessert buffets. Finish with a whisper of flaky sea salt atop the powdered sugar for grown‑up contrast without masking the citrus.
Ingredient Spotlight
Fresh lime juice is the backbone, supplying natural acids that set the custard and a floral aroma that bottled juice rarely matches. Lime zest adds essential oils for a vivid top note that lifts the filling in these yummy sweets. A simple shortbread base provides structure and a buttery echo that keeps the finish clean.
Serving Suggestions (Presentation & Plating)
Cut into even squares, wipe the knife between cuts, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a matte finish that photographs beautifully. Add thin curls of zest or a small lime wedge to one or two corner pieces for a hint of color without cluttering the tray. Serve slightly chilled for stable slices that shine on dessert bar recipe boards.
Best Sides to Serve With Lime Bars Recipe
Pair with fresh berries to accent the citrus or a lightly sweetened whipped cream for softness. A simple fruit salad or herbal tea makes a gentle counterpoint that suits baking recipes, fall desserts gatherings. For holidays, set alongside rich chocolate treats to balance the table.
Flavor Pairing & Beverage Match
Match with sparkling water infused with mint or a citrusy mocktail to amplify aromatics. Light roast coffee emphasizes buttery crust notes, while green tea highlights the floral lime. For celebrations, a dry prosecco complements holiday desserts without overwhelming the palate.
Make‑Ahead & Storage Guide
Bake a day ahead, chill, and slice before serving for pristine edges. Store squares in a single layer or with parchment separators, covered and refrigerated for up to four days. Freeze tightly wrapped bars without powdered sugar, then thaw in the fridge and dust before serving for a fresh appearance among sweet recipes desserts.
Budget & Pantry Strategy
Butter, flour, sugar, and eggs are pantry staples, so the main variable is fresh limes; buy in bulk during promotions and zest before juicing to avoid waste. Use leftover limes for vinaigrettes or flavored water to stretch value across multiple dishes. Keep powdered sugar stocked to finish dessert bar recipe batches elegantly on short notice.
Scaling for a Crowd
Double the Lime Bars Recipe in two pans rather than one deeper pan to preserve even baking and clean layers. For bite-sized servings of buffet‑style holiday desserts, cut smaller squares and dust lightly to reduce stickiness. Transport in parchment‑lined containers to protect the glossy tops.
Weeknight Workflow Planner
Bake the crust on a free evening, mix and bake the filling the next day, and chill overnight for Thursday potlucks. For faster turnaround, cool on a rack, then chill uncovered briefly before covering to prevent condensation. This cadence supports baking recipes for fall desserts while keeping the schedule flexible.
Kids & Family Friendly Adaptations
Reduce the zest slightly for a softer citrus note, or add a spoonful of whipped cream for a mellow finish. Cut into smaller squares for lunchbox portions that travel well. Keep the dusting light to minimize mess while maintaining that signature finish in yummy sweets.
Troubleshooting & Fixes
If the filling cracks, the bake likely went past set; next time, pull at the first gentle jiggle. If the crust crumbles, press it more firmly and allow it to chill completely before slicing. If the tops are bubbly, whisk the filling gently, then tap the pan once before baking for smoother surfaces on dessert bar recipe squares.
Cultural or Seasonal Context
Citrus desserts carry well from summer picnics to winter gatherings, and lime offers brightness that cuts through richer menus. For holiday desserts, the cool color palette and clean lines fit festive tables without heavy frosting. The bar format satisfies casual and formal occasions with minimal adaptation.
FAQs
Q1: Can bottled juice work?
A: Fresh juice is best for aroma and set; bottled juice can taste flat.
Q2: How to get sharper cuts?
A: Chill fully and wipe the knife between every slice.
Q3: Can the recipe be gluten‑free?
A: Use a cup‑for‑cup blend in the crust and filling thickener.
Q4: How long to store?
A: Up to four days chilled; freeze undecorated squares for longer.
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PrintBest Lime Bars Recipe
Bright citrus lime bars with a tender shortbread crust and a silky lime custard layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1/4 cup (30 g) cornstarch
1/4 tsp fine salt
1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp finely grated lime zest
2/3 cup (160 ml) fresh lime juice
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Mix crust ingredients to form dough and press into pan.
3. Bake crust 18–20 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Whisk filling ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour over hot crust and bake 20–24 minutes.
6. Cool fully, chill, dust with powdered sugar, slice.
Notes
Use fresh lime juice for best flavor.
Chill fully for clean cuts.
Freeze undecorated bars up to 3 months.