Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat

Name: Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 227 g unsalted butter, softened; 100 g granulated sugar; 250 g all-purpose flour; 1.25 g (1/4 teaspoon) kosher salt; 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; Powdered sugar, for dusting

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: February 9, 2026

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Introduction to Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get pretty hectic. That’s why I absolutely adore these Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat. They’re the perfect dessert for a quick solution on busy days or a delightful treat to impress your loved ones. With their tangy lime flavor resting on a buttery shortbread crust, each bite is like a mini vacation to the tropics. Plus, they’re super simple to whip up, making them a go-to dish for anyone craving something sweet yet refreshing!

Why You’ll Love This Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat

These Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals! They’re quick to make and require minimal ingredients—perfect for those last-minute dessert needs. The delightful balance of sweetness and tartness makes them irresistible. Plus, the buttery shortbread crust adds an elegant touch that’s sure to impress your family and friends. You’ll love how easy it is to create a refreshing dessert that brightens any occasion!

Ingredients for Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat

Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle when it comes to baking, and these Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat are no exception! Here’s what you’ll need to create this zesty dessert:

Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich flavor to the shortbread crust. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the base and the filling, creating that delightful balance with the tangy lime.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the backbone of both the crust and filling. It gives structure to the bars.

Kosher Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors by balancing sweetness and acidity.
Large Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a smooth filling. They also add richness and stability.
Key Lime Juice: The star of the show! This provides the vibrant tang that makes the bars so refreshing.

Key Lime Zest: Adds an extra burst of lime flavor and brightens the overall taste.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting the finished bars to add a touch of sweetness and a lovely presentation.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a hint of coconut for a tropical twist or swapping out the key lime for regular limes if that’s all you have on hand. All the exact measurements are listed at the bottom of the article for your convenience and are available for printing!

How to Make Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Pan

The first step in making these delightful Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat is preheating your oven to 175°C. This ensures even cooking throughout. While the oven warms up, take a 23×33 cm baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Don’t forget to grease it thoroughly! Preparing the pan correctly helps the bars release easily later, so your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

Next, let’s whip up the luscious shortbread crust. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter for about 2–3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. Now, slowly add in the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour while mixing at low speed. It’s crucial to achieve the right texture; you want it to be soft yet slightly crumbly. This creates that perfect buttery base, setting the stage for the tangy lime filling.

Step 3: Chill and Bake the Crust

After mixing, press the dough evenly into the prepared pan using your fingers. Once you’ve got a nice even layer, pop it in the fridge to chill for 15 minutes. Chilling it is essential for a firmer texture. Then, it’s time to bake! Bake the crust for about 15–20 minutes until the surface is lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely before adding that zesty filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Key Lime Filling

Now comes the fun part—making the filling! In a large bowl, whisk together the large eggs, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour. Next, gently pour in the key lime juice and add the key lime zest. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth. It should feel like a silky potion! This step is important to ensure there are no lumps, so you get a beautiful, creamy texture once baked.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Pour that luscious custard mixture over your cooled shortbread crust. Now, it’s showtime! Bake the bars at 175°C for about 25–30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the filling is just set. It should slightly jiggle but not appear liquid. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely before moving on to the next delicious step.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

The flavors truly shine when these Key Lime Bars are chilled, so pop them in the fridge! This allows all those zesty notes to meld deliciously. Once cold, dust them with powdered sugar for a delightful finish. Slice into 16 bars and serve! They’re wonderful chilled or served at room temperature—your choice!

Tips for Success

Always use room temperature eggs for a smoother filling.
Don’t skip chilling the crust; it enhances texture.
For extra zing, consider adding a pinch of extra zest.

Test the filling with a toothpick; it should come out clean when set.
Dust the bars with powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh look.

Equipment Needed

Baking Pan: A 23×33 cm pan is ideal, but you can use a similar-sized dish.
Mixing Bowl: Any large bowl works; a glass or metal bowl is great!
Whisk: A hand whisk or electric mixer does the job perfectly.

Parchment Paper: Useful for easy release, but greasing the pan works too.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accuracy in your ingredients.

Variations of Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat

Ginger Snap Crust: Swap the shortbread crust for a ginger snap cookie crust for a spicy twist!

Coconut Cream: Mix shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical flair.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Lower Sugar: Try using a sugar substitute for a lighter version of this delicious treat.

Serving Suggestions for Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat

Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of mixed berries for a burst of color and flavor.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a creamy balance to the tartness.

Iced Tea: Pair with a refreshing glass of iced tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Mint Garnish: Decorate with fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
Chilled Lemonade: A glass of lemonade complements the citrus flavor beautifully.

FAQs about Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat

Here are some common questions and answers about these delightful Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat that I often hear:

Can I make Key Lime Bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them a great option for meal prep.

What can I use instead of key limes? If you can’t find key limes, regular limes work too! Just remember, they’re a bit sweeter, so you might want to adjust the sugar slightly.

Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap the bars tightly and they can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Are there any dairy-free options? You can substitute coconut oil for butter, and use a dairy-free yogurt in the filling for a dairy-free version of these Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat!

Please feel free to drop more questions in the comments! I’m here to help you enjoy baking!

Final Thoughts

Making these Key Lime Bars Citrus Treat is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth—it’s about creating moments of joy. Every bite transports me to sun-soaked beaches and bright blue skies. Whether you’re sharing them with family for a special occasion or enjoying a quiet moment after a hectic day, these bars bring a refreshing zest to life. Plus, with how easy they are to whip up, even the busiest of days can be brightened with a homemade treat. I hope you find as much happiness in making and sharing these bars as I have!