Creamy Lime Bars

Growing up, I always associated lime with long summer afternoons, sitting on the porch with a cold drink in hand and my grandma humming a tune from the kitchen. She was famous for her lemon bars, but when limes were in season—especially the small, fragrant ones from the local market—she’d make these luscious lime bars instead. The flavor was bolder, more complex, and somehow just a little fancier.

These bars have that same nostalgic vibe, with a velvety lime custard nestled over a buttery shortbread crust. The color alone is cheerful, but it’s the creamy texture and the tart bite that truly make them unforgettable. Whether you serve them at a baby shower, bring them to a potluck, or enjoy a quiet square with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bright & Refreshing: The lime flavor cuts through sweetness for a perfectly balanced treat.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these on hand.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, brunches, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars set beautifully in the fridge, making them great for prepping in advance.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the lime filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons lime zest (from about 2 limes)
• ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For topping (optional):

• Extra powdered sugar, for dusting

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY LIME BARS:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step saves you from the dreaded bar-sticking-to-the-pan struggle.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and powdered sugar. Add your cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or your fingertips) to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should stick together when pressed.

Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake it for about 15-18 minutes, or until it starts to look lightly golden around the edges. While it’s baking, go ahead and mix up the filling.

Step 3: Whisk the Lime Filling
In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder. Add in the eggs, lime zest, lime juice, and heavy cream. Whisk until everything is well incorporated and the filling looks smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Pour and Bake Again
Once your crust is ready, take it out of the oven and pour the lime mixture right over it—don’t worry if it’s still hot. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is just set. You’ll know it’s done when it doesn’t jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan.

Step 5: Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. This helps them firm up and makes slicing much easier. Once chilled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles.

Step 6: Dust and Serve
Just before serving, dust the tops with a little powdered sugar for a pretty finish. They look just as good as they taste!

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Cold Butter = Flaky Crust: Make sure your butter is cold when working it into the flour to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Fresh Limes Matter: Bottled lime juice doesn’t bring the same vibrant flavor as fresh limes. Use the real thing—it makes all the difference.
• Room Temp Eggs: For a smoother filling, let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing them in.
• Clean Cuts: Wipe your knife clean between slices for those picture-perfect squares.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 16 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

These bars are super flexible. You can swap lime for lemon, or even mix the two for a citrusy twist. Want an extra kick? Add a little extra zest. These are the kind of bars that get even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make them ahead.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving, approximate):

Calories: 145
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 35mg
Sugar: 13g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I freeze lime bars?
Yes! Once fully cooled and sliced, you can freeze them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly—add a few extra minutes for both the crust and the filling.

What’s the best way to zest a lime?
Use a microplane or fine grater, and only zest the bright green part. The white pith underneath is bitter and will affect the flavor.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Always dust with powdered sugar right before serving, as it can dissolve during storage.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other citrusy delights:

• Pecan Pie Lasagna
• Key Lime Cake
• S’mores Brownies
• Great Gatsby Lemon Cakes

CONCLUSION

These Creamy Lime Bars are one of those desserts that just brings joy—whether you’re serving them at a fancy event or sneaking a square during a quiet night in. With their sunny flavor, smooth texture, and that irresistible buttery crust, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. So grab a couple of fresh limes and treat yourself to a little slice of sunshine. You’ve earned it.

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