Key Lime Bars Recipe

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If you love tangy, sweet, and refreshing desserts, you are going to adore these Key Lime Bars. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust that perfectly balances the bright, zesty lime custard on top, creating a dessert that’s both luscious and light. These bars are not only a feast for your taste buds but also easy to make, come together beautifully, and are sure to become your go-to treat for summer picnics or anytime you crave a citrusy burst of flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for crafting the perfect balance of buttery, tangy, and sweet in your Key Lime Bars. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s the crispy shortbread base or the smooth, velvety custard that sits atop it.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of the crust, providing rich flavor and tender texture.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup for crust, 1½ cups for custard): Adds sweetness and helps the crust brown to a delicate golden hue.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups for crust, ¾ cup for custard): Gives structure to both crust and custard for the perfect bite.
• Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Just a pinch to enhance all flavors without overpowering.
• Large eggs (5): Bind and thicken the custard, giving it that luscious, silky texture.
• Key lime juice (¾ cup): The star ingredient, delivering that unmistakable bright, tart lime flavor.
• Key lime zest (2 tbsp): Intensifies the lime’s aromatic citrus notes and adds a lovely texture.
• Powdered sugar: Used to dust the completed bars, adding a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.

How to Make Key Lime Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy—it’s this step that makes the crust tender yet crisp. Add the flour and salt next, mixing until just combined, then press the dough evenly into your lined baking pan. Chill the crust briefly so it holds its shape during baking, then bake until it’s just turning golden at the edges, setting a sturdy, flavorful base for the custard.

Step 2: Make the Lime Custard

While the crust cools slightly, whisk together eggs, sugar, and flour until perfectly smooth. Stir in that gorgeous key lime juice and zest, which gives this custard its signature tang and freshness. Pour this luscious mixture over the warm crust and pop it back in the oven. Baking until the center is just set ensures the custard stays creamy, with a delicate wobble that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Cooling and Chilling

Once baked, let your bars cool completely right in the pan on a wire rack. This step helps everything firm up nicely for clean cutting later. After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least two hours—this chilling stage not only enhances the texture but also deepens the flavors, turning these bars into a perfectly refreshing treat.

How to Serve Key Lime Bars

Garnishes

To elevate these Key Lime Bars, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a soft, snowy finish. If you’re feeling fancy, add a twist of fresh lime zest or a small dollop of whipped cream on each square for an added creamy contrast. A sprig of fresh mint also adds a beautiful pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that complements the citrus perfectly.

Side Dishes

These bars are a stand-alone sensation but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light coconut sorbet to balance the lime’s tartness. If you’re hosting a party, serving them alongside fresh berries or a tropical fruit salad makes for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut your Key Lime Bars into small bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter sprinkled with lime zest and edible flowers. You can also place individual bars in mini cupcake liners for easy, mess-free hand-held treats. If you want to wow guests, try layering the bars with whipped coconut cream and a few crushed pistachios for added texture and a splash of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Key Lime Bars keep fantastically well in the refrigerator—simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to five days, maintaining their luscious texture and vibrant flavor, so it’s easy to enjoy them over a few days without any fuss.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars ahead or freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before popping them into the freezer. They can be stored frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture and taste.

Reheating

While Key Lime Bars are best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer them slightly warm, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can alter the texture of the delicate custard. A gentle warming helps restore some softness without sacrificing their refreshing quality.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, you can substitute regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable, but keep in mind that key lime juice has a unique floral and slightly more tart flavor that really makes these bars special. The zest also adds an important layer of brightness.

What’s the best pan to bake Key Lime Bars in?

A 9×13-inch baking pan works perfectly, ensuring the bars have the ideal thickness and bake evenly. Using parchment paper helps with easy removal and clean cuts.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour in both the crust and custard for a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum, and you’ll have equally delicious Key Lime Bars perfect for gluten-sensitive friends.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?

Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting and use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife blade clean between cuts makes slicing much easier and keeps those edges neat and beautiful.

Are the Key Lime Bars sweet or tart?

These bars strike a perfect balance between sweet and tart. The buttery crust mellows out the tangy lime custard, creating a harmonious flavor that’s refreshing but satisfyingly sweet.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh, and these Key Lime Bars hit that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a summer get-together, or just because you need a little citrus sunshine in your life, these bars will steal the show. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert!

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