If you’ve ever craved a dessert that bursts with zesty, tangy brightness and melts in your mouth with buttery sweetness, then you’re going to fall in love with this Key Lime Bars Recipe. This treat masterfully balances the tart kick of fresh Key lime juice and zest with a smooth, rich filling nestled on a perfectly crumbly, buttery crust. Every bite offers a little sunshine and a whole lot of joy, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who enjoys a refreshing, citrusy dessert that feels like summer on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often make the best desserts, and this Key Lime Bars Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role, from building the luscious crust to creating the creamy, tangy filling that defines the bars.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the foundation for the crust and adds just a bit of structure to the filling.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps create that delicate texture in the crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Essential for a rich, tender crust that crumbles perfectly under the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and tartness beautifully.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the filling and give it that luscious custard-like finish.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling while ensuring it sets just right.
- 2 teaspoons Key Lime zest: Infuses that unmistakable, aromatic lime flavor that sets this recipe apart.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the filling for a light, airy texture.
- 1/3 cup Key lime juice: The star of the show, delivering vibrant tartness and refreshing citrus zing.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling so it cuts cleanly.
How to Make Key Lime Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9×11 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your bars will come out perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Crust Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This dry mixture will serve as the base for your buttery crust.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or fork, work the softened butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This texture is key to achieving a perfectly crumbly crust that bakes to golden perfection.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan, making sure it reaches every corner. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it looks firm and slightly golden around the edges. This short bake sets the stage for the filling to shine.
Step 5: Whisk the Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1/3 cup Key lime juice, 1/4 cup flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons Key Lime zest, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder in a large bowl. Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the luscious lime filling over the hot crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center—this ensures a creamy, custardy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before sprinkling with powdered sugar. Once cooled, slice into 12 squares for the perfect portion of tangy, creamy delight.
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy!
If you want to elevate the presentation, top each bar with a thin slice of fresh Key lime for a pop of color and extra zest. Now every bite is not only delicious but also visually inviting. Dig in and savor the vibrant flavors!
How to Serve Key Lime Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic and adds a pretty contrast to those sunny green bars. For an extra special touch, fresh Key lime slices or a dollop of whipped cream bring flair and a creamy balance to the tartness.
Side Dishes
These bars are a star on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich coffee creates a comforting cafe-style dessert experience. Light fresh berries also complement the lime notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the Key Lime Bars Recipe in small bite-sized squares on a platter garnished with mint leaves. You can layer them in a clear glass trifle dish topped with whipped cream and zest for a stunning visual and textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Key Lime Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and tangy for up to 4 days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings or weeknight treats.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 3 months — just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to retain that creamy texture.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer, you can bring them to room temperature quickly by sitting them out for 15–20 minutes after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use regular lime juice instead of Key lime juice?
Absolutely! While Key lime juice has a distinctively bright and floral flavor, regular lime juice works well as a substitute and will still give you deliciously tangy bars.
What if I don’t have a pastry cutter to make the crust?
No worries! You can use two forks or even your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to get a crumbly texture, so work quickly to avoid melting the butter.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can make a fantastic gluten-free version without sacrificing taste or texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The filling should look mostly set with just a slight jiggle in the center. Overbaking can cause cracks or a dry texture, so it’s best to err on the side of a soft center.
Is it okay to use powdered sugar for the topping instead of granulated sugar?
Definitely! Powdered sugar adds a lovely touch of sweetness and a delicate look on top. It’s perfect for dusting the bars once they’ve cooled.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade dessert that feels both fresh and indulgent, and this Key Lime Bars Recipe checks all those boxes with flying colors. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just to brighten your day, these bars bring a joyful burst of citrus sunshine to your kitchen. Go ahead and try them — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Key Lime Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These tangy and sweet Key Lime Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a smooth, zesty key lime filling. Perfectly balanced with tart lime juice and a hint of zest, these bars make a refreshing dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Key lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup Key lime juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×11 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prepare for the crust.
- Combine crust ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- Incorporate butter: Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in 1 cup of softened unsalted butter to the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set and lightly brown.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons Key lime zest, 1/3 cup Key lime juice, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder in a large bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour filling and bake: Pour the lime filling over the pre-baked crust and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and firm to the touch.
- Cool and finish: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar evenly over the top and cut into 12 squares.
- Optional garnish: Top each bar with thin slices of fresh Key lime for an extra burst of citrus flavor and an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh Key limes if available for the most authentic flavor; regular limes can be substituted but the taste will be less distinctive.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing into the crust.
- To ensure a clean cut, refrigerate the bars before slicing or use a sharp knife dipped in hot water.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
