St Patricks Lime Bars (Printable)
Bright lime bars with a buttery graham crust and a tangy filling, perfect for festive occasions.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Graham Cracker Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 - Pinch of salt
→ Lime Filling
05 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
06 - 4 large egg yolks
07 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
08 - 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
09 - 2-3 drops green food coloring (optional)
→ Topping
10 - Powdered sugar for dusting
11 - Thin lime slices or zest for garnish (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt in a bowl. Mix until crumbs are evenly moistened.
03 - Press mixture firmly into pan bottom to form even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
04 - Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, lime zest, and green food coloring if using until smooth and fully combined.
05 - Pour lime filling over cooled crust, spreading evenly.
06 - Bake for 15-18 minutes until center is set but still slightly jiggly.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting.
08 - Lift bars from pan using parchment. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lime slices or zest if desired. Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tartness cuts through heavy party food like nobody's business
- That green color makes people think you tried way harder than you actually did
- They travel beautifully and actually taste better the next day
02 -
- Don't overbake the filling—that slight jiggle in the center means perfect texture once chilled
- If your crust bubbles up in spots, press it down gently while it's still warm from the first bake
- A cold pan roommates better with the filling, so don't rush that crust cooling step
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the dreaded grainy texture
- A microplane makes the finest zest without hitting the bitter white pith