Lime Bars

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Lime Bars offer the perfect combination of tangy lime custard and buttery shortbread crust. These vibrant bars are sure to satisfy any citrus lover’s cravings, with a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. The zesty lime flavor is complemented by a soft, creamy texture, while the shortbread base provides a crisp contrast. With a dusting of powdered sugar on top, these bars not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on the dessert table.

This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for summer gatherings or as a refreshing treat after a heavy meal. Whether you’re a fan of lemon bars or simply love all things citrus, these Lime Bars will become a favorite go-to recipe. Customize the color with optional food coloring for an eye-catching presentation, and enjoy this delightful sweet and tangy treat.

Full Recipe:

For the Crust:

1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (113 g) butter, cut into 8 pieces

For the Filling:

1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
2 tsp lime zest
⅔ cup (159 ml) fresh lime juice
A drop of green (+ yellow) food coloring (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 11×7-inch or 8 to 9-inch square glass baking dish with parchment paper that overhangs 2 inches on both sides.
To make the crust: Combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: Whisk together the sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and food coloring if using.
Pour the filling over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes, or until set. The filling should no longer jiggle.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving cold. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan for easy cutting.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Kcal: 232 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 bars

Recipe Overview:

Lime Bars are a delightful twist on the classic lemon bars, swapping out the lemons for fresh limes to create a tangy and refreshing dessert. These bars are the perfect combination of sweet and tart, with a buttery shortbread crust that complements the creamy lime custard topping. They’re easy to make and ideal for citrus lovers or anyone looking for a light and zesty treat. The bright, bold flavors of the lime filling make them perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a palate cleanser after a rich meal.

Key Ingredients:

Limes: The star of the recipe, limes provide a fresh, tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the filling. Lime zest adds extra depth, giving the dessert a bold, citrusy punch.
Shortbread Crust: Made with butter, flour, and powdered sugar, this classic base is easy to prepare and provides a sturdy, crisp foundation for the creamy lime filling.
Eggs: Eggs give the lime custard its rich, creamy texture while also helping to set the filling as it bakes.
Sugar: Sugar balances out the tartness of the limes, ensuring that the bars aren’t too sour.

Why You’ll Love It:

Tangy & Sweet: The lime custard is perfectly balanced between tartness and sweetness, making it refreshing yet indulgent.
Easy to Make: With a simple shortbread crust and a straightforward custard filling, this recipe is perfect even for novice bakers.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars need to chill for a couple of hours after baking, making them a great make-ahead dessert for parties or family gatherings.
Versatile: While limes are the focus here, you can easily switch things up with other citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, or even grapefruit for a variety of flavor profiles.

Pro Tips for Success:

Use Fresh Lime Juice: For the best flavor, always use fresh lime juice instead of bottled. It will make a noticeable difference in the taste.
Zest First, Then Juice: Always zest your limes before juicing them—it’s much easier and ensures you don’t lose any of that valuable zest!
Cooling and Chilling: Be sure to let the bars cool completely before refrigerating. This helps the filling set properly and makes cutting the bars cleaner and easier.

Variations You Can Try:

Citrus Combo Bars: For a unique twist, try mixing lime juice with lemon or orange juice for a blend of citrus flavors.
Key Lime Bars: If you can find key limes, they offer a more intense and aromatic lime flavor. Substitute regular limes with key limes for a tropical touch.
Coconut Lime Bars: Add a tropical flair by sprinkling shredded coconut on top before baking, or mix some coconut into the crust for extra flavor and texture.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store your lime bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The bars taste best when chilled.
Freezing: You can freeze lime bars for up to 2 months. Just cut them into squares, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, and separate layers with parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Lime bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways you can serve them:

Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a delicate sweetness and looks beautiful.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side makes these bars even more decadent.
Berries: Serve with fresh raspberries or blackberries for a pop of color and a contrast in flavors.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, holiday party, or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your family, these Lime Bars are sure to be a hit. Their bright flavor and easy preparation make them ideal for casual get-togethers, while their sophisticated presentation makes them suitable for more formal occasions.

The History of Lime Bars:

Lime bars are a variation of the popular lemon bars, which are believed to have originated in the mid-20th century in the United States. Lemon bars were a classic dessert served at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. As citrus became more available year-round, bakers began experimenting with other types of fruit, including limes, leading to the creation of lime bars.

Lime bars have since gained popularity as an equally refreshing and slightly more tropical alternative to lemon bars, especially in regions where limes are more common, such as Florida, the Caribbean, and other subtropical climates. The bright green hue and tart, tangy flavor make them a favorite dessert for summertime celebrations and tropical-themed parties.

Why Lime Bars Are a Must-Try Dessert:

If you’re a fan of citrus desserts, lime bars are an absolute must-try. Not only do they offer a burst of fresh, zesty lime flavor, but they also provide a lovely contrast between the crispness of the buttery shortbread crust and the smooth, creamy custard. Here are a few reasons why these bars deserve a place in your dessert rotation:

Unique Flavor Profile: Lime bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, offering a refreshing dessert option that isn’t overwhelmingly sugary.
Perfect for Warm Weather: Lime bars are ideal for summer when you want a cool, light, and citrusy dessert to enjoy at picnics, barbecues, or outdoor gatherings.
Eye-Catching Presentation: With their vibrant color and dusting of powdered sugar, lime bars look as good as they taste, making them an excellent choice for parties or events.
Simple Yet Elegant: The straightforward ingredients and preparation make lime bars a go-to recipe for bakers of all skill levels, but the final product looks and tastes sophisticated enough for special occasions.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations:

Lime bars are a sweet indulgence, but you can make modifications for different dietary preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the original recipe’s nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 232 kcal per serving
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 9 g (including 5 g of saturated fat)
Cholesterol: 82 mg
Sodium: 134 mg
Sugar: 23 g

Gluten-Free Option:

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in both the crust and the filling with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain the right texture.

Vegan Option:

For a vegan twist, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan margarine or coconut oil. For the filling, you can use silken tofu or a flaxseed egg substitute in place of the eggs, though the consistency may differ slightly from the original.

Expert Tips for Perfect Lime Bars Every Time:

Cutting Clean Bars: For neat, professional-looking bars, chill them thoroughly before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth edges.
Prevent a Soggy Crust: Make sure the crust is baked until golden and firm before adding the filling. This ensures the crust stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy from the lime custard.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can slightly increase the sugar in the filling. Alternatively, if you love a stronger tang, you can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup.
Add a Citrus Kick: For an extra citrus punch, double the amount of lime zest. The zest carries the essential oils of the lime, giving the bars a more intense flavor without adding extra acidity.

Serving and Pairing Ideas:

Lime bars are versatile and can be paired with a variety of other flavors to enhance your dessert experience.

Serve with Coconut: Coconut and lime are a classic pairing. Serve your lime bars with a side of coconut sorbet or sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical twist.
Pair with Berries: Lime bars can also be served with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries. The sweet, juicy berries provide a great contrast to the tartness of the lime custard.
Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence. You can even incorporate a hint of vanilla or coconut extract into the whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Drizzle with Chocolate: For a more decadent touch, drizzle the lime bars with melted white chocolate or dark chocolate. The creamy sweetness of the chocolate perfectly complements the tangy lime flavor.

How to Scale the Recipe for Larger Groups:

This recipe makes about 12 bars, but you can easily scale it up if you’re serving a crowd. To double the recipe, use a 9×13-inch baking dish and double all ingredients accordingly. Just be sure to check the baking times, as you may need to add a few more minutes for both the crust and the filling to fully bake in a larger dish.

The Science Behind Lime Custard:

Custard-based desserts, like lime bars, rely on the chemical reactions between eggs and sugar to achieve the creamy, firm texture. When heated, the proteins in the eggs denature and coagulate, transforming the liquid mixture into a soft, solidified custard. The sugar in the recipe helps to prevent the eggs from curdling by slowing down the coagulation process, ensuring a smooth, even texture. This is why it’s important to whisk the eggs and sugar thoroughly before baking, as it ensures that the custard sets perfectly.

Lime vs. Lemon Bars: What’s the Difference?

Although lime and lemon bars are very similar in concept, there are a few key differences:

Flavor: Lime bars tend to have a sharper, more intense tartness compared to lemon bars. Limes bring a slightly more bitter, floral note, while lemons are typically sweeter and more mild.
Color: Lime bars can be a more vibrant green (if food coloring is used), while lemon bars are known for their bright yellow hue.
Texture: Both lime and lemon bars share the same creamy custard texture, but lime bars often carry a slightly smoother, silkier consistency due to the higher acidity in lime juice.

Conclusion

Lime Bars offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, making them an irresistible dessert for citrus lovers. With a buttery shortbread crust and a creamy lime custard filling, they’re easy to prepare and versatile for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a summer picnic or a family gathering, these zesty bars are sure to be a hit. Customize them to your taste, pair them with complementary flavors, and enjoy a refreshing and delightful treat that will brighten up any dessert table.