Zesty Summer Lime Bars ☀️
These vibrant Zesty Summer Lime Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy, smooth lime filling. Perfect for a refreshing summer treat, they are easy to make and delightful to share!
Equipment
- 13x9-inch baking dish
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Fork
- Long serrated knife
Ingredients
For the Zesty Filling
- 0.5 cup fresh lime juice
- 1.67 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1-2 drops green food coloring optional (for that vibrant lime hue!)
For the Shortbread Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
- 3 limes zest (adds extra zing!)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan & Crust:
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line a 13x9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure some paper hangs over the sides – this will make lifting your bars out super easy later!- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, lime zest, and sea salt for the crust. Pour in the melted butter and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Press this buttery dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Grab a fork and gently poke holes about an inch apart across the crust; this helps it bake perfectly without puffing up.
- Bake the crust for 25 minutes until it's lightly golden. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. While it cools, reduce your oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix Up the Zesty Filling:
No need to wash your mixing bowl! In the same bowl, combine ¾ cup all-purpose flour and 1⅔ cups granulated sugar, stirring with a whisk until they're nicely mixed.- Crack in the 5 large eggs and gently whisk until they are just incorporated – don't overmix.
- Finally, stir in the ½ cup fresh lime juice, ½ cup heavy cream, and your optional drops of green food coloring until everything is smooth and evenly combined. Pour this refreshing lime mixture over your pre-baked, cooled crust.
3. Bake, Chill, & Enjoy:
Carefully place the pan back into the oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the center is set, and the edges show a slight hint of golden brown.- Remove from the oven and let your delicious lime bars cool completely on the counter for about 1 hour.
- For the best texture and flavor, transfer the uncovered pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours – the longer, the better!
- Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares using a long, serrated knife (wiping the knife clean between each cut for perfect edges).
- For a beautiful finishing touch, dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy this bright, easy summer treat!
Notes
Enjoy this bright, easy summer treat! Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition per serving (estimated): Calories: 255, Total Carbs: 30g, Net Carbs: 29g, Fats: 12g, Protein: 3g.
