Zesty Lime Citrus Bars (Printable)
Bright, tangy lime filling over buttery shortbread crust for the perfect sweet-tart balance.
# What You’ll 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
# Steps:
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.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The buttery crust balances the tart filling so every bite feels complete, not overwhelmingly sour
- These bars travel beautifully to potlucks and actually improve after a night in the fridge
02 -
- Warm eggs can curdle when mixed with acidic juice, so let them come to room temperature first
- Overbaking causes the filling to develop a rubbery texture and lose its silky smoothness
03 -
- If the crust shrinks up the sides during baking, press it back down with the back of a spoon while it's still warm
- A pinch of sea salt in the filling creates a sophisticated flavor profile adults particularly love