Zesty Key Lime Dessert Bars
These Zesty Key Lime Dessert Bars are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible treat for lime lovers. Made with a buttery graham cracker crust that's both crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, these bars are topped with a creamy key lime filling that delivers a refreshing citrus punch. For an added layer of indulgence, try mixing confectioners' sugar with extra key lime juice for a zesty drizzle on top before dusting with more confectioners' sugar. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a delightful end to any meal, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
140
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (divided (1 1/4 cups for crust, 1/4 cup for filling))
graham cracker crumbs
1 cup (for crust)
butter
3/4 cup (softened to room temperature)
confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (for crust and additional for dusting)
granulated sugar
2 cups (for filling)
key lime juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed if possible)
large eggs
4 (beaten)
lime zest
from 1-2 limes (zest only, avoid the white pith)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of flour, graham cracker crumbs, softened butter, and confectioners' sugar. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3
Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan, making sure to create an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
4
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of key lime juice, the remaining 1/4 cup of flour, the 4 large eggs, and the zest of 1 to 2 limes until well combined and smooth.
5
Once the crust is done, pour the key lime mixture over the hot crust and spread it evenly.
6
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
7
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
8
Just before serving, dust the bars with confectioners' sugar and drizzle with extra key lime mixture if desired.
9
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator and freeze well for later enjoyment!
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
30g
Carbs
0.2g
Protein
22g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Key Lime Dessert Bars?
Zesty Key Lime Dessert Bars are a sweet and tart citrus treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, refreshing key lime filling.
What ingredients do I need for the graham cracker crust?
The crust requires 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 3/4 cup of softened butter, and 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar.
How much flour is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour is used, divided into 1 1/4 cups for the crust and 1/4 cup for the filling.
What is the recommended oven temperature for these bars?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you begin baking.
How long should I bake the crust?
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is lightly browned.
What size baking pan should I use?
This recipe is designed for an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
How do I make the key lime filling?
Whisk together 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of key lime juice, 1/4 cup of flour, 4 large eggs, and lime zest until the mixture is smooth.
How much key lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of key lime juice, preferably freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
How many eggs are needed for the filling?
You will need 4 large eggs, which should be beaten before being mixed into the filling.
Do I need to zest the limes?
Yes, you should use the zest from 1 to 2 limes, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith.
How long do the bars bake after the filling is added?
Once the filling is poured over the hot crust, bake for an additional 20 minutes.
How can I tell if the filling is done?
The filling is done when it is set and feels slightly firm to the touch.
Should I cool the bars before serving?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
Can I add a topping to these bars?
Yes, you can dust them with confectioners' sugar and drizzle with a mixture of sugar and extra key lime juice just before serving.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 140 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 1g of fat per serving in these dessert bars.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
Each serving contains 22g of sugar.
Is there any protein in these lime bars?
There is a small amount of protein, approximately 0.2g per serving.
Can I store these bars in the refrigerator?
Yes, these bars should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
Can I freeze Key Lime Dessert Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze very well for later enjoyment.
What is the texture of the crust?
The graham cracker crust is buttery, crumbly, and designed to be melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a refreshing citrus punch.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Absolutely, these bars are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing end to any meal.
Should the butter be melted for the crust?
No, the butter should be softened to room temperature rather than fully melted to form a soft dough.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe uses 8 main ingredients.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Tags include key lime, dessert bars, lime dessert, summer dessert, and easy recipe.
Is the baking pan greased?
The instructions specify using an ungreased baking pan.
Can I use regular lime juice if key limes are unavailable?
While key lime juice provides a specific flavor, regular lime juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
How should I cut the bars?
Once completely cooled, cut the pan into uniform squares for serving.