Citrus Delight Margarita Bars
Experience the refreshing taste of summer with these Citrus Delight Margarita Bars! A perfect blend of tangy margarita flavor and buttery crust, these bars will transport your taste buds to a sunny beach. Originally crafted by my friend Janie for a cookie exchange, this delightful recipe from Pillsbury is sure to impress your friends and family. Refreshingly sweet with a citrusy zing, each bite will have you puckering up and coming back for more. Ideal for gatherings, parties, or simply as a sweet escape, these bars are the perfect treat when you want to indulge in something bright and zesty.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups (For crust)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (For crust)
butter
1 cup (Softened for crust)
large eggs
4 (Beaten)
sugar
1 1/2 cups (For filling)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (For filling)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (For filling)
frozen margarita mix concentrate
1/3 cup (Thawed)
fresh lime zest
2 teaspoons (Freshly grated)
powdered sugar
for dusting
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and the softened 1 cup of butter. Mix on low speed until the mixture is crumbly.
3
Flour your hands and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9 inch baking dish evenly to form the crust.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
5
While the crust is baking, crack 4 large eggs into another bowl and beat them lightly.
6
Mix in 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Stir until well blended.
7
Fold in the 1/3 cup of thawed frozen margarita mix concentrate and 2 teaspoons of fresh lime zest into the egg mixture, stirring until combined.
8
Once the crust is ready, remove it from the oven and pour the margarita filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly.
9
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 18-22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
10
Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack.
11
Before serving, sift powdered sugar over the top of the cooled bars for an elegant finish. Cut into 36 bars and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus Delight Margarita Bars?
These are a refreshing summer dessert featuring a tangy margarita flavor on top of a buttery crust.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was originally from Pillsbury and was shared by a friend named Janie for a cookie exchange.
How many bars does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to be cut into 36 individual bars.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking dish.
What ingredients are in the crust?
The crust consists of 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 cup of softened butter.
How should the crust ingredients be mixed?
Combine the flour, powdered sugar, and butter on low speed until the mixture is crumbly.
What is the trick for pressing the crust into the pan?
Flour your hands before pressing the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish.
How long does the crust bake on its own?
The crust should bake for 20-25 minutes or until it is lightly golden brown.
How many eggs are needed for the filling?
You will need 4 large eggs for the margarita filling.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The eggs should be cracked into a bowl and lightly beaten before adding other ingredients.
What dry ingredients go into the filling?
The filling uses 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
What gives these bars their signature margarita flavor?
The flavor comes from 1/3 cup of thawed frozen margarita mix concentrate and 2 teaspoons of fresh lime zest.
Should the margarita mix be liquid or frozen?
The frozen margarita mix concentrate should be thawed before being added to the filling.
How much lime zest is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lime zest.
Should the filling be added to a cold or warm crust?
The margarita filling should be poured over the crust while it is still warm from the oven.
How long do the bars bake after the filling is added?
Bake for an additional 18-22 minutes after adding the filling.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The bars are finished when the top is golden brown and the filling has set.
How should the bars be cooled?
Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish placed on a wire rack.
What is the final topping for these bars?
Before serving, sift powdered sugar over the top for an elegant finish.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is described as a buttery, firm base for the zesty filling.
Are these bars good for parties?
Yes, they are described as ideal for gatherings, parties, or sweet escapes.
Is this a good summer recipe?
Absolutely, the citrusy zing and refreshing taste make them a perfect summer treat.
Can I use granulated sugar for the dusting?
The recipe specifically recommends powdered sugar for dusting the finished bars.
What is the total amount of flour used in the whole recipe?
A total of 2 cups of flour is used: 1 3/4 cups for the crust and 1/4 cup for the filling.
What speed should I use to mix the crust?
Use a low speed to mix the flour, powdered sugar, and butter.
Is there any baking powder in the crust?
No, baking powder is only used in the filling mixture, not the crust.
What should I do if the crust mixture is too sticky to press?
The instructions suggest flouring your hands to help press the mixture into the dish.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The primary flavor notes are refreshingly sweet, tangy, and zesty citrus.