are a refreshing dessert that combines the tangy, zesty flavor of lime with the richness of a buttery, crumbly crust, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tart. They are the perfect treat for warm weather gatherings, brunches, or anytime you crave a citrusy bite of sunshine. These bars are similar to lemon bars, but with the added zing of lime, offering a bright and refreshing contrast to richer desserts. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, they are as visually appealing as they are delicious. With their combination of smooth, citrusy filling and a melt-in-your-mouth crust, lime bars are sure to become a crowd favorite for anyone who loves a citrus-infused treat. Whether served at a party, a family get-together, or enjoyed as an everyday indulgence, lime bars have the ability to elevate any occasion. The flavor of lime brings an energetic twist to the classic dessert, offering a more exotic option that stands out from the more traditional lemon bars. The simplicity of the ingredients, along with the ease of preparation, makes lime bars an ideal dessert for beginner bakers or experienced pastry enthusiasts alike.

The History of Lime Bars

The origins of lime bars are closely related to their more famous counterpart, lemon bars, which have been a beloved treat in American homes for generations. The classic lemon bar recipe dates back to the early 20th century and likely originated in American kitchens, with the idea of creating a simple, citrusy dessert to complement the richness of other desserts at gatherings or special occasions. Lime bars were later developed as a variation on the lemon bar, capitalizing on the popularity of lime in desserts, particularly in tropical or summer-inspired recipes. This shift occurred as chefs and home bakers began experimenting with different citrus fruits to create more vibrant, unique flavors. Lime, with its fresh and tangy profile, became a popular substitute for lemon, particularly in warmer climates where lime trees were more abundant. Today, lime bars are a staple in many homes, bakeries, and restaurants, offering a refreshing alternative to the more traditional, heavy desserts. The adaptation of lime into these bars aligns with broader trends in the culinary world, where lighter, more citrus-forward desserts have gained in popularity due to their ability to balance sweetness with refreshing acidity.

Ingredients Breakdown

Lime bars consist of two main components: the buttery crust and the tangy lime filling. For the crust, you’ll need all-purpose flour, butter (preferably unsalted), and powdered sugar. The butter gives the crust its rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality, while the powdered sugar ensures a tender, crumbly texture that contrasts perfectly with the smooth, tart filling. The flour helps provide the structure to the crust. For the lime filling, the star ingredient is, of course, fresh lime juice and zest. The zest enhances the flavor, making the lime even more aromatic and intense, while the juice brings the essential citrusy tang. The filling is also made with eggs, sugar, and a bit of all-purpose flour to thicken the custard-like consistency. A pinch of salt balances the tartness of the lime and helps elevate the overall flavor profile of the bars. The lime zest not only adds to the flavor but also gives the bars a beautiful, vibrant color. The powdered sugar sprinkled on top adds a final touch of sweetness, creating a beautiful contrast to the tart lime filling and enhancing the overall presentation of the bars.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once they’re done.
Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 cup of softened, unsalted butter and mix until the dough begins to come together. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and set.
Prepare the lime filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Add 2 large eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice and 1 tablespoon of lime zest.
Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lime filling over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 18–20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours to set the filling.
Once chilled, dust the top of the lime bars with powdered sugar and cut them into squares. Serve cold for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Lime Bars

For the best flavor, use fresh limes and zest them right before juicing. The zest adds a fragrant, aromatic punch that enhances the overall lime flavor.
Make sure the crust is baked until golden to ensure it’s crisp and not soggy once the lime filling is added.
If you prefer a more intense lime flavor, feel free to add more lime zest or juice to the filling, adjusting the sugar accordingly to maintain balance.
Be sure to chill the lime bars after baking to allow the filling to set properly. This will help the bars hold their shape when cut.
Dusting the bars with powdered sugar just before serving gives them a beautiful finish and a touch of sweetness that complements the tangy lime filling.

Variations and Customizations

Add a graham cracker crust: For a twist on the traditional shortbread-like crust, try using crushed graham crackers mixed with butter and a bit of sugar. This will give your lime bars a more textured, slightly sweeter crust.
Coconut lime bars: Stir in shredded coconut into the filling or sprinkle it on top of the bars for added texture and flavor.
Make it a key lime bar: Use key limes instead of regular limes for a more intense, floral lime flavor.
Lime-mint bars: Add finely chopped fresh mint to the filling for a refreshing, herbal note that complements the lime’s tartness.
Garnish with fruit: Top the lime bars with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Lime bars are delicious but should be enjoyed in moderation, as they are rich in sugar and butter. One bar typically contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the size and thickness. The crust is high in fat due to the butter, and the filling contains eggs and sugar, which contribute to its richness. However, the use of fresh lime juice and zest adds vitamin C and antioxidants, offering a small health benefit. To make these bars lighter, you could substitute some of the butter for a healthier fat, like coconut oil, and reduce the sugar content. Additionally, using a sugar substitute or a lower-calorie option could reduce the overall calorie count, but it may alter the taste and texture. Keep in mind that lime bars are a treat, not a health food, so they should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

FAQ
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice? Fresh lime juice will provide the best flavor and aroma, but if bottled juice is all you have, it can be used as a substitute. Just make sure it’s 100% pure lime juice.
Can I freeze lime bars? Yes, you can freeze lime bars for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool and set completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container before freezing.
How do I know when the lime filling is set? The lime filling will be set when it no longer jiggles in the center and has a firm texture. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I make lime bars ahead of time? Yes, lime bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge to keep the filling fresh and set until you’re ready to serve them.

Lime Bars

Lime bars are a refreshing, tangy treat with a buttery crust and a smooth, citrusy filling, dusted with powdered sugar for a perfect finish. These bars offer a light, flavorful dessert that’s ideal for any occasion, combining simplicity with a burst of fresh lime flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Servings 16

Ingredients

Lime Shortbread Crust

Zest of 2 limes
50 g ¼ cup granulated sugar
113 g ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
30 g ¼ cup powdered sugar
160 g 1 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Pinch of fine sea salt

Lime Curd Filling

Zest of 4-6 limes
150 g ¾ cup granulated sugar
160 g ¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
4 large eggs
80 g 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold
Pinch of fine sea salt
Powdered sugar for topping

Instructions

For the crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch square aluminum pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and zest the limes over it, making sure to avoid the white pith. Rub the zest into the sugar using your fingers.
Add the softened butter to the bowl and beat just to combine. Next, add the dry ingredients and beat until fully mixed. When the dough can be gathered into a ball and holds its shape when squeezed in your palm, it’s ready.
Press the dough into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan. Use a measuring cup or offset spatula to smooth it out.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
While the crust is baking, make the filling
In a non-reactive pot, add the sugar and zest the limes over it, rubbing the zest into the sugar with your fingers.
Juice the limes until you have the required ¾ cup and pour the juice into the pot. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Add the beaten eggs to the pot and whisk the mixture together until most of the egg whites are broken up.
Place the pot over medium-low heat and cook, stirring frequently with a silicone spatula, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (it should reach 170°F on a thermometer). Remove from heat.
Slice the butter into a non-metal bowl and set a sieve over it. Pour the cooked filling through the sieve (discarding the zest and any bits of egg white). Stir the filling until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth.

Assemble and bake

Once the crust has finished par-baking, remove it from the oven and pour the lime filling over it. Smooth the filling into an even layer.
Return the pan to the oven and bake until the sides are set, and there’s a slight jiggle in the center (about 15-20 minutes).
Let the bars cool to room temperature on the counter, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 2 days to chill and set.

To serve

Once chilled, sift a few tablespoons of powdered sugar over the bars. Slice and serve.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge (note that the powdered sugar may dissolve, so you can add another layer of powdered sugar when you’re ready to eat the leftovers).

Pin1

1 Shares