Zesty Lime Delight Squares
Indulge in the refreshing and vibrant flavors of these Zesty Lime Delight Squares! This delightful recipe combines a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy lime filling, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, these squares are sure to impress. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re a true crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to share with friends and family!
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
Butter or margarine
1/2 cup (softened)
Powdered sugar
1/4 cup (for crust, plus more for dusting)
Granulated sugar
1 cup
Eggs
2 (beaten)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
Lime zest
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
Lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Green food coloring
2-3 drops
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, softened butter (or margarine), and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until the mixture is crumbly.
3
Press the mixture firmly into an ungreased 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking pan, creating about a 1/2 inch edge around the perimeter.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5
While the crust is baking, prepare the lime filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of flour, lime zest, lime juice, baking powder, salt, and green food coloring. Beat the mixture for about 3 minutes, or until it's light and fluffy.
6
Once the crust is done baking, pour the lime filling over the hot crust.
7
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the center is set and no indentation remains when touched.
8
Allow the squares to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
9
Cut into 1-inch squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Zesty Lime Delight Squares!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lime Delight Squares?
Zesty Lime Delight Squares are a refreshing dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy lime filling, balancing sweetness and tartness.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 48 servings when cut into 1-inch squares.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What ingredients are needed for the shortbread crust?
The crust requires 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of softened butter or margarine, and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.
Should the baking pan be greased?
No, the recipe instructions specify using an ungreased 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking pan.
How long does the crust need to bake initially?
The crust should be baked in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden.
What is the first step in preparing the lime filling?
While the crust bakes, combine granulated sugar, eggs, flour, lime zest, lime juice, baking powder, salt, and green food coloring in a mixing bowl.
How long should I beat the lime filling mixture?
The filling mixture should be beaten for about 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
How much lime juice is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How much lime zest should be used?
You will need 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lime zest.
Is green food coloring mandatory for this recipe?
The recipe suggests 2-3 drops of green food coloring to enhance the lime color, but it is optional for the flavor.
When do I add the lime filling to the crust?
Pour the lime filling over the crust immediately after the crust has finished its initial 20-minute bake while it is still hot.
How long do the squares bake once the filling is added?
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes.
How can I tell if the lime squares are fully cooked?
The squares are done when the center is set and no indentation remains when the surface is touched.
Do I need to cool the squares before adding powdered sugar?
Yes, allow the squares to cool completely before dusting them with powdered sugar.
What size should the squares be cut into?
The recipe recommends cutting the finished dessert into 1-inch squares.
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the crust?
Yes, the recipe allows for either softened butter or margarine to be used in the crust mixture.
What type of flour is used in the filling?
The filling requires 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How much granulated sugar is used in the lime filling?
The filling uses 1 cup of granulated sugar.
How many eggs are needed for the lime filling?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, which should be beaten into the filling mixture.
Is there salt in the Zesty Lime Delight Squares?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the filling.
What role does baking powder play in this recipe?
1/2 teaspoon of baking powder is added to the lime filling to help it achieve the proper texture and set.
How thick should the edge of the crust be?
When pressing the crust into the pan, you should create about a 1/2 inch edge around the perimeter.
What is the texture of the crust mixture before baking?
The mixture of flour, butter, and powdered sugar should be mixed until it is crumbly before being pressed into the pan.
Are these squares considered a citrus dessert?
Yes, they are categorized as a citrus dessert because of the fresh lime juice and lime zest.
Can these squares be served at a party?
Absolutely, they are described as a true crowd-pleaser that is perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
What kind of sugar is used for dusting?
Powdered sugar is used for dusting the tops of the squares after they have cooled.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this recipe?
The primary flavor profiles are zesty, refreshing, sweet, and tart.
Is this recipe suitable for summer?
Yes, its refreshing lime flavor makes it an excellent choice for a summer dessert.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients listed for this recipe, including the optional food coloring.