I make Lime Bars every spring when limes look bright at the market. If you love citrus, you might also enjoy my creamy lemon butter chicken for a savory meal to pair with sweets.
My Dad James taught me to roll dough on the porch while we talked about gardens and lime trees. He loved the smell of butter and lime.
Your Ingredients List
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 to 4 limes)
My Go-To Equipment
- 8×8 inch baking pan, lined with parchment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Microplane or fine zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven set to 350 F
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for slicing
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and line your pan with parchment.
- Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in cold butter until the mix looks like coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mix into the pan and bake 15 to 18 minutes until pale gold.
- Whisk eggs and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth.
- Stir in 1/4 cup flour, baking powder, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Pour the filling over the hot crust.
- Bake 18 to 22 minutes until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool fully on a rack, then chill for best slices.
- Dust with powdered sugar and cut into bars.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
I swap half the sugar for a natural sweetener or use whole wheat pastry flour for a heartier crust. For a fun dessert board idea, pair slices with fruit and a small spoon of my old world yeast dessert inspired treat for two different textures.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I like to serve lime bars chilled with a cup of tea or a cold glass of milk. For a party, I put them on a tray with fresh berries and a slice of peanut butter pie for those who want rich flavor, like my peanut butter pie with Oreo crust on the side.
Getting It Just Right
Use fresh lime juice for the best bright taste and zest before you juice. Do not overbake the filling. It should look set at the edges and slightly soft in the middle. Chill fully before cutting to get clean slices.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover lime bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer keep, freeze wrapped bars in layers with parchment between them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Enjoy Every Moment
I love how simple lime bars feel like sunshine on a plate. Make them with kids or bring them to a friend who needs a cheerful bite.
A Few Common Questions
Can I use bottled lime juice for Lime Bars?
I use fresh lime juice in Lime Bars because bottled juice loses bright flavor.
Can you freeze Lime Bars?
For Lime Bars, you can freeze slices for longer storage and thaw them in the fridge before eating.
How do I know when Lime Bars are done?
You know the filling is done when the edges are set and the center has a tiny jiggle, not wet, for Lime Bars.
Print
Lime Bars
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tangy lime bars with a buttery shortbread crust, perfect for spring.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 to 4 limes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line your pan with parchment.
- Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in cold butter until the mix looks like coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mix into the pan and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until pale gold.
- Whisk eggs and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth.
- Stir in 1/4 cup flour, baking powder, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Pour the filling over the hot crust.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool fully on a rack, then chill for best slices.
- Dust with powdered sugar and cut into bars.
Notes
Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor and chill fully before cutting for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lime bars, dessert, citrus dessert, baking, spring recipes