Lime Bars are a delightful dessert that features a crumbly base topped with a creamy lime filling. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, these bars are sure to impress with their vibrant flavor and beautiful presentation.
Lime Bars
Why These Lime Bars Are the Best
- Zesty Lime Flavor: The filling is made with fresh lime juice and zest, giving it a bright and tangy flavor.
- Creamy and Smooth: The lime filling is smooth and creamy, providing a perfect contrast to the crumbly base.
- Crumbly Base: The base is made from a buttery shortbread, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Beautiful Presentation: Topped with a slice of fresh lime and a dusting of powdered sugar, these bars are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or looking for a refreshing and tangy dessert, Lime Bars are the perfect choice. The combination of creamy lime filling and buttery crumbly base makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Lime Base: Fresh lime juice, zest, and eggs create a vibrant, tart filling with a smooth, custardy texture. Just a hint of green food coloring adds a pop of color without artificial dyes.
- Shortbread Crust: Almond flour, coconut oil, and a touch of maple syrup make a naturally sweet, nutty base that complements the bright lime layer.
- For Serving: Powdered sugar and a sprinkle of extra lime zest add a decorative, sweet finish to each slice.
Tips for Making the Best Lime Bars
- Use Fresh Limes: For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice and zest.
- Bake the Base First: Bake the shortbread base until golden brown before adding the lime filling.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Cup of Tea: Enjoy a lime bar with a hot cup of tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With Fresh Berries: Pair with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
- With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- With Lemon Zest: Sprinkle some lemon zest on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into one of these Lime Bars—a perfect blend of tangy lime filling on a buttery, crumbly base, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will transport you to a sunny day, no matter the weather. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging on your own, these Lime Bars are a treat that will leave a lasting impression.
Be sure to check out these other delicious bar recipes!
-
Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars
-
Apple Crumb Bars With Caramel Sauce
-
Apple Crumble Bars
-
Blueberry Crumble Bars
-
Caramel Apple Bars
-
Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars
Lime Bars
These Lime Bars feature a buttery almond shortbread crust topped with a zesty lime custard filling. The contrast between the nutty base and tangy lime is perfect for a refreshing treat with a hint of sweetness and a touch of vibrant green.
Ingredients
For the lime base:
- 1 cup 200gr granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp lime zest
- 2 Tbsp salted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup 100gr fresh squeezed lime juice (About 6 to 10 limes)
- ¼ cup 30gr all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1 to 4 drops of artificial dye-free green food coloring - optional
For the shortbread base:
- 1 ½ cups 168gr fine blanched almond flour
- 3 Tbsp melted coconut oil
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For serving:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Additional lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch square pan (avoid using a 9x9-inch pan, as it will be too large). Tip: Sticking with an 8x8-inch pan ensures the right thickness and bake time.
- In a medium pot, combine the sugar and lime zest, rubbing them together with clean fingers for about 30 seconds to release the lime’s flavor into the sugar.
- Then, add the lime juice, eggs, and flour, whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully blended with no visible egg streaks. Leave the butter and any food dye out for now, and set the pot aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a fork to mix everything until it forms a thick, crumbly texture.
- Transfer the mixture to your pan, pressing it down evenly with your fingers. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the crust cool for 5 minutes, leaving the oven on.
- While the crust is baking, set the pot over medium-low heat and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from the heat.
- Set a fine-mesh sieve over a medium bowl, then pour the mixture into the sieve. Use a spoon to press and work the filling through, straining out any solids.
- Into the bowl with the warm lime filling, stir in the butter until it melts completely. If desired, add a few drops of green food dye for a bright green hue.
- Pour the filling over the warm crust, tilting the pan or using a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the filling is set and only slightly jiggles when the pan is gently shaken.
- Let the bars cool at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours, then place them in the fridge to chill for at least 6 hours, or up to 2 days.
- Dust with powdered sugar, then use a clean, sharp knife dipped in water to cut into 16 bars.
- Remember to clean and wet the knife after each cut—it may be a bit tedious, but it ensures a clean, perfect slice every time!
- For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle a bit more lime zest on top if you’d like a touch of added zing.
- For storage, place any leftover bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- You may want to dust the bars with a fresh layer of powdered sugar before serving, as it tends to dissolve while chilled.
Pin this delicious recipe on Pinterest to save and share with your foodie friends!
Lime Bars