Key Lime Bars
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!
A Mouthwatering Citrusy Sweet Treat
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!
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!
Rebecca’s Recipe Review
Taste: Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s an irresistible blend of sweet and sour flavors!
Texture: These luscious lime bars combine a crumbly, buttery shortbread crust with a tart and gooey layer of key lime goodness.
Ease: 5/10
Pros: A light summer dessert that’s best at room temperature, so they won’t be too hot on a humid day.
Cons: None.
Would I Make This Again? Yes!
Ingredients For Key Lime Bars
Unsalted Butter
Granulated Sugar
All-Purpose Flour
Kosher Salt
Large Eggs
Key Lime Juice
Key Lime Zest
Powdered Sugar
How To Make Key Lime Bars
1. The first step is to preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prep your baking pan with parchment paper and cooking spray.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. After the bars have cooled, sprinkle a little bit of powdered sugar on top. That’s it!
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!
– Susie
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.
More Delicious Lime Recipes
- Champagne Mojito – A bubbly twist on the classic cocktail!
- Key Lime Curd – Spread it on toast or inject it into your cupcakes for a filling!
- RumChata Malibu Lime and Soda (TikTok Drink Recipe) – Made with 4 ingredients!
- Key Lime Pie Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) – Deliciously dense cookies with a citrus kick!
- Key Lime Pie – Prep this homemade dessert in just 20 minutes!
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you’ve tried this recipe, please let leave a review in the comments below. I love hearing from you! Don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco – on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos, or join our Sugar & Soul Show-offs Community and share them there.
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 9×13-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
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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We made this as one of our Thanksgiving desserts when I realized I didn’t have graham crackers for a key lime pie and decided to pivot to lime bars. I followed the recipe exactly, and I’m so glad I did! We had smallish limes and it took three limes for the right amount of zest, and nine for the juice. These bars were deemed a “top five dessert” by my husband (and we make A LOT of desserts! 🙂 Thank you for this recipe!
Amazing!!! Thank you for the recipe!
So glad you enjoyed it!
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
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Looks real good, can’t wait to serve it to friends!