Name: Lime Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes); 1 tablespoon lime zest; Powdered sugar, for dusting

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If you adore bright, tangy flavors with a sweet finish, this Lime Bars Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust layered beneath a silky, zesty lime filling that bursts with fresh citrus goodness in every bite. These lime bars offer a delightful twist on the classic lemon bar, delivering that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that’s absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is straightforward, fun, and downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a square white foil container with a golden brown baked layer on top, which looks smooth and slightly shiny. The baked layer fills the whole container evenly, with darker brown edges around the sides where it has cooked more. The container sits on a black stovetop with a white marbled background visible around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a lime bars masterpiece that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor — from the crumbly, buttery crust to the luscious, tangy filling that makes these bars stand out.

Flour for the crust: Provides the essential structure and tenderness to the shortbread base.
Sugar in both crust and filling: Adds sweetness that balances the tart lime flavors perfectly.
Butter, melted: Brings richness and a tender crumb to the crust that melts in your mouth.
Eggs: Give the filling its silky texture and help it set firmly.
Fresh lime juice: The star ingredient delivering that unmistakable bright and zesty flavor.
Lime zest: Adds extra citrus aroma and a burst of freshness.
Powdered sugar: A dusting for the perfect elegant finish and a touch of sweetness on top.

How to Make Lime Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining an 8-by-8-inch pan with parchment paper. Combine the flour, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture comes together into a soft dough. Press it evenly into the bottom of your pan to form a sturdy base. Then, bake this crust for 15 minutes until it’s just beginning to turn a lovely golden brown. This warm, crumbly foundation is what will support that luscious lime filling beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together the sugar, flour, eggs, fresh lime juice, and lime zest in a large bowl. The flour helps the filling to set while the eggs provide richness and silkiness. Make sure to whisk until the mixture is perfectly smooth and glossy – this ensures that your lime bars will have that irresistible creamy texture.

Step 3: Bake the bars

Once your crust is out of the oven, pour the lime filling over it in an even layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. This careful timing guarantees that the bars cook through without cracking or becoming dry.

Step 4: Cool and finish

After baking, allow the lime bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling step is crucial to let the filling firm up perfectly. Once cool, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Cut into squares, serve, and get ready for a bite of pure citrus bliss.

How to Serve Lime Bars Recipe

The image shows two stacked dessert squares with three layers each. The bottom and middle layers are a brown crumbly crust, while the thick middle layer is a creamy pale yellow filling. The top is dusted with white powdered sugar and a small wedge of lime is placed on the upper square. The squares are on a piece of parchment paper, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate your lime bars from wonderful to stunning. Try topping each bar with thin slices of fresh lime or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A light drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes also complements the tartness beautifully and adds a fun texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Lime bars are already full of flavor, so pairing them with light accompaniments works best. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream brings a cool, creamy balance. For a refreshing twist, serve them alongside fresh berries or a citrus salad to keep the bright, lively vibe going.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can totally transform a simple dessert into a celebration. Try serving lime bars on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering, or dress them up on a glass cake stand for a party centerpiece. For individual servings, place bars in small dessert cups layered with whipped cream and berry compote. These ideas make sharing your favorite Lime Bars Recipe even more fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, lime bars keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent the crust from getting soggy. Keeping them chilled also helps the filling stay firm and makes slicing easier.

Freezing

You can freeze lime bars to enjoy later by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge so they maintain their perfect texture without becoming watery.

Reheating

While lime bars are usually best enjoyed chilled, you can warm them slightly if you prefer. Just pop them in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes to gently take the chill off, or microwave a single piece for 10-15 seconds to bring back that melted, silky sensation.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is highly recommended for the best flavor and brightness, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled lime juice can work. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars or preservatives for a better taste.

How can I prevent the filling from cracking?

To avoid cracking, bake your lime bars at the right temperature and do not overbake them. The filling should still wobble slightly when you take them out; it will set as it cools.

Are lime bars gluten-free?

This Lime Bars Recipe calls for regular flour in the crust, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend with similar results if needed.

Can I use a different citrus instead of lime?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Lemon or even orange juice and zest will work well, offering their own unique flavor profiles while keeping that delightful citrus zing.

What’s the best pan size to use?

An 8-by-8-inch pan is ideal to get dense bars with a good crust-to-filling ratio. Using a larger pan will make the layers thinner and change the overall texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about making a dessert that feels fresh, bright, and a little bit indulgent all at once. This Lime Bars Recipe is exactly that — a sweet and tangy treat that’s simple to whip up but impressive to serve. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon, a festive occasion, or just because you need a pick-me-up, these bars will bring cheer and a burst of citrus happiness to your day. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love, just like I did!