Are you ready to add some sunshine to your plate? Look no further than these easy-to-make Lemon-Lime Bars! This delightful dessert combines the tangy flavors of lemon and lime with a buttery shortbread crust, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
The best part? You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up a batch of these citrusy treats. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a pan of Lemon-Lime Bars ready to serve in no time.
Get ready to brighten your day and impress your taste buds with this zesty twist on a classic dessert!
Lemon-Lime Filling: A Burst of Citrus Flavor
The key to a great Lemon-Lime Bar lies in its crust. The buttery shortbread base provides the ideal contrast to the creamy, tangy filling.
To make the crust, simply combine softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, grated lemon zest, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press it into a baking pan and bake until lightly golden.
This sturdy foundation perfectly complements the luscious lemon-lime filling that’s to come. The addition of lime zest in the crust adds an extra layer of citrusy flavor that will have your mouth watering before you even take a bite.
A Citrus Lover’s Dream Come True
Now for the star of the show: the lemon-lime filling! The recipe calls for a combination of freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice, along with eggs, sugar, flour, and baking powder.
As you whisk together these simple ingredients, the aroma of citrus will fill your kitchen, transporting you to a sunny day no matter the weather outside.
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and return the pan to the oven. As the bars bake, the filling will transform into a creamy, custard-like consistency that’s hard to resist.
Once the top has a slight golden hue and the filling is set, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Serving Suggestions: from Brunch to Dessert & Beyond
One of the best things about Taste of Home’s Lemon-Lime Bars is their versatility. These zesty squares are perfect for any occasion, from a casual brunch with friends to a fancy dinner party.
Cut them into smaller squares for a bite-sized treat that’s ideal for baby showers, tea parties, or as a light dessert after a heavy meal.
For an extra indulgent experience, try serving these bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy contrast will elevate the flavors and textures of the bars even further, making them an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
Lemon-Lime Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons lime zest grated
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 2 tsp lemon zest grated
- confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners' sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the grated lime zest and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Press the crust mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake the crust in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly browned, which should take about 13-15 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until incorporated. Finally, stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, beating until the mixture is frothy.
- Pour the filling over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake until the filling is set and light golden brown on top, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the bars from the oven and place the baking dish on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the bars with confectioners' sugar and cut into squares.
- Store the Lemon-Lime Bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- When zesting limes for your Lemon-Lime Bars, keep in mind that the outermost part of the citrus peel contains the most desirable flavor. Be cautious not to grate too far down into the peel, as the lighter-colored inner part, known as the pith, can taste bitter. To ensure the best flavor, focus on grating only the vibrant green outer layer of the lime peel.
- If you need to soften butter in a hurry, try this simple trick. Partially unwrap the butter, using the wrapped half as a handle to keep your hand clean. Then, using the largest holes of your box grater, shred the exposed butter. This process will transform the butter into a fluffy heap that softens much faster than a whole stick. The shredded butter can be used in your recipe immediately, saving you time and effort.
Nutrition
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.