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If you are ready to brighten up your dessert game, this Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat Recipe is the perfect zesty delight to bring into your kitchen. Bursting with vibrant key lime flavor balanced by a buttery shortbread crust, these bars offer a tangy-sweet bite that feels like a splash of sunshine on any day. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or indulging in a solo treat, these Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat Recipe bars are irresistibly fresh and satisfyingly luscious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is the first step to making this Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat Recipe a standout. Each component is simple yet vital, contributing to the luscious texture, vibrant flavors, and that irresistible citrus pop.
- Unsalted butter (227 g, softened): This gives the crust its rich, tender crumb—make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Granulated sugar (100 g + 300 g): Two quantities serve different purposes—one sweetens the crust, the other perfectly balances the tart lime filling.
- All-purpose flour (250 g + 95 g): Flour forms the sturdy base and thickens the luscious filling just right.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming the key lime zing.
- Large eggs (5, room temperature): Eggs add structure to the filling, delivering that creamy, custard-like consistency.
- Key lime juice (180 ml): The heart of the recipe, bringing authentic tart citrus brightness that distinguishes this treat.
- Key lime zest (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the lime aroma and adds a lovely textured bite within the smooth filling.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A final delicate touch that adds sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
How to Make Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C. Line a 23×33 cm baking pan thoroughly with parchment paper and grease it well. This careful preparation is key to easily lifting your bars out and achieving flawless edges.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
Using softened unsalted butter, cream it for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy—this creates a tender base. Then add the first portion of granulated sugar and flour, mixing just until they come together to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan with your fingers, ensuring uniform thickness for an even bake. Chill this crust for 15 minutes to help it set, then bake it for 15 to 20 minutes. It’s ready when you see a light golden hue on the surface. Allow it to cool completely before moving on to the filling.
Step 4: Mix the Key Lime Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining granulated sugar, flour, key lime juice, and zest until smooth and well combined. The citrus zest adds a burst of fresh aroma that really elevates the filling.
Step 5: Bake the Filling on the Crust
Pour this tangy custard mixture gently over the cooled crust and bake again at 175°C for 25 to 30 minutes. The filling is perfectly set when it holds slight wiggle but isn’t liquid. Let the bars cool fully.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate your bars until cold. Dust them generously with powdered sugar, slice into 16 squares, and enjoy this cool citrus sensation at room temperature or straight from the fridge.
How to Serve Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but fresh lime slices, a sprinkle of extra key lime zest, or even a few sprigs of mint can add appealing color and a refreshing twist. These finishing touches highlight the citrus character beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tanginess. For parties, a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lime or a fruity cocktail complements the bars perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting your Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat Recipe in individual mini tart pans for a fancy look, or stack them on a pretty platter with alternating slices of fresh fruit. Wrapping individually in cellophane with a ribbon makes them great homemade gifts too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars are best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their bright flavor and firm texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They will keep well for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for a delicious citrus daydream anytime you crave it.
Reheating
While best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer them slightly warmed, let the bars come to room temperature or warm gently in a low oven (about 120°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular lime juice for key lime juice?
Absolutely, regular lime juice works fine though key limes have a distinctive floral tartness that adds a unique character to the bars. If you want that authentic taste, try to source fresh key limes or bottled key lime juice.
Do I need to use parchment paper when lining the pan?
Yes, parchment makes it much easier to remove the bars from the pan without sticking or breaking. Plus, it simplifies clean-up, saving you time and effort after baking.
How can I tell when the filling is done baking?
The filling should be just set with only a slight wobble in the center when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking makes it dry, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underdone since it firms up when chilled.
Can I use a different type of sugar in the recipe?
Granulated sugar is ideal for its texture and sweetness balance, but you can try superfine sugar for a smoother filling. Avoid brown sugar as it may affect the tartness and color.
What if I don’t have any key lime zest?
If you cannot find key limes for zesting, zesting regular limes is a good alternative. The main goal is to add that fresh, aromatic citrus oils which enhance the overall flavor significantly.
Final Thoughts
Once you dive into this Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat Recipe, you’ll discover how effortlessly it brings together sweet, tart, and buttery flavors in each heavenly bite. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll want to make again and again to brighten your day or impress friends. So go ahead, try it out and enjoy every zesty, lemony moment!
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Print
Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Key Lime Bars offer a perfect balance of tart citrus flavor and sweet, buttery crust, creating a refreshing and zesty dessert ideal for any occasion. The shortbread base provides a crisp, buttery texture, while the key lime filling delivers a creamy, tangy custard finish.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 227 g unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1.25 g (1/4 teaspoon) kosher salt
Key Lime Filling
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 300 g granulated sugar
- 95 g all-purpose flour
- 180 ml key lime juice
- 2 tablespoons key lime zest
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 175°C. Line a 23×33 cm baking pan with parchment paper and grease it thoroughly to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside for later use.
- Make the Shortbread Dough: Cream the softened butter in a mixing bowl for 2–3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour along with the kosher salt, then mix until all ingredients are combined into a dough.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan using your fingers, ensuring a uniform layer. Chill the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up the crust. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Key Lime Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, flour, key lime juice, and key lime zest until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Bake the Filling: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake at 175°C for 25–30 minutes until the filling is just set and slightly firm to the touch. Allow the bars to cool completely.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the key lime bars until they are completely cold. Before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar, slice into 16 even bars, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use fresh key lime juice and zest for the best authentic flavor.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for smoother filling consistency.
- Chilling the crust before baking helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
