Key Lime Bars are an easy, mouthwatering way to get your citrus fix! Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a soft layer of lime goodness, you’ll want to make this treat for all your summer get-togethers!
If you love lime, you’ll love this dessert! And if you can’t get enough of these — or of tart, citrus flavors — try my Lemon Bars recipe, too!
These Key Lime Bars are a delicious way to enjoy some bright citrus flavor this summer! Cut ‘em into squares, and these grab-and-go treats can be served at all your outdoor get-togethers — no utensils required!
And, might I add, they’d make a decadent picnic treat?
Yep, they’re super portable, too. 😉 Plus, they’re best at room temperature, so they won’t be too hot on a humid day.
Love the mouth-puckering, citrusy taste of margaritas when the sun is out? Then you have to try Key Lime Bars!
Unlike key lime pie, we’ll be skipping the graham cracker crust and opting for something different.
These luscious lime bars combine a crumbly, buttery shortbread crust with a tart and gooey layer of key lime goodness. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s an irresistible blend of sweet and sour flavors!
Luckily, this Lime Bar Recipe is easy to make. And that’s definitely a good thing because you’ll be whipping them up all summer long!
How To Make Key Lime Bars:
- The first step is to preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prep your baking pan with parchment paper and cooking spray.
- Then throw together that flaky shortbread crust. Combine flour, sugar, butter, and a dash of salt, chill for 15 minutes, then bake until barely golden brown.
- For that scrumptious lime layer, all you need are eggs, sugar, flour, key lime juice, and lime zest. Mix together, pour into crust, then bake again for 25 minutes to 30 minutes. Regular limes can also be used if you can’t find key limes.
- After the bars have cooled, sprinkle a little bit of powdered sugar on top. That’s it!
Can Lime Bars Be Frozen?
Yes, they certainly can. In fact, they are actually really great frozen. To freeze them, simply allow the bars to cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
If you really want to get fancy, turn this treat into Key Lime Pie Bars. Just add a layer of meringue, toast, and enjoy.
Yep, these tasty bites are as simple to make as they are delicious — they’re perfect for all your summer gatherings! Make these for cookouts, barbecues, graduation parties … heck, even for brunch!
These Key Lime Bars are citrusy and irresistibly delicious. Share them with friends and family for a light treat this summer!
More Delicious Lime Recipes:
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Key Lime Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Lime Custard
- 5 large eggs room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup key lime juice
- 2 tablespoons key lime zest
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
Instructions
Shortbread Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with a sheet of parchment paper, then grease well and set aside.
- With a hand mixer or in a stand mixer, cream the butter for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add the sugar and flour and mix well.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Spread it into an even layer with your fingers. Chill for 15 minutes, then bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until just barely golden brown. Cool.
Lime Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well incorporated. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F until the custard is set. Remove from the oven and let cool before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar as desired and serve. You may also chill the bars and serve them cold.
Notes
- Shelf Life: Room temperature if served the day they are made, otherwise, store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Allow the bars to cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Key Lime Pie Bars: If you really want to get fancy, just add a layer of meringue, toast, and enjoy.
- No Key Limes? That's okay, this recipe is still delicious when made with traditional limes
Rebecca Hubbell says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Susie says
I never leave recipe reviews, but I had to, these are amazing! I made it to the letter and it came out perfect. I used the juice and zest of four limes and it hit the spot. It’s super punchy and packed with lime flavor yumm
Susan says
Looks real good, can’t wait to serve it to friends!