Key Lime Bars

I’m a HUGE lemon bar fan. In fact, each year for my birthday I would request our Gooey Lemon Bars instead of birthday cake. I love citrus flavored everything and these fall right into my category of “perfect desserts”.

We took one of our very popular lemon bar recipes and tweaked it a little to bring you these delicious Key Lime Bars! If you love citrus flavored desserts like me, put these on the top of your to-do list ASAP!

Recipe Ingredient Notes

To make Key Lime Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

Crust:

• Butter, softened
• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt

Filling:

• Sugar
• Eggs, beaten
• Lime, zested
• Lime juice, fresh or bottled
• Flour

Topping:

• Powdered sugar

Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you only need a few simple kitchen tools. We recommend using the following equipment:

• Mixing Bowl (Large)
• Baking Dish (9 x 13)
• Mixer (Hand)

How to make Key Lime Bars

1. Heat oven to 350℉.
2. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Cream together softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add flour and salt and mix until blended. Press into the bottom of prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
4. While crust is cooking, make filling by mixing together sugar, eggs, lime zest, lime juice, and flour. Pour filling over hot crust and bake for about 25 -30 minutes or until set.
5. Remove from oven and dust with powdered sugar.
6. Cool completely and cut into squares, top with a slice of lime.

Bakers Notes:

Here are a few notes and tips we took down while baking these bars to help you while you bake them at home!

1. You will want to make the filling for your bars while the crust bakes alone so you can return them to the oven fairly quickly, or before the crust cools.
2. It’s easiest to make this filling in a standing mixer, but beating it with a hand held mixer works well too. We would not recommend trying to whisk these eggs into the right thickness.
3. You’ll know when these bars are done when the edges turn a light golden brown. Do not overcook them. They may seem a little jiggly in the middle, but they will set up as they cool.
4. You’ll want to let these cool completely before cutting to get a clean cut. Leave them on the counter for a few hours or on an even surface in the fridge.
5. “Dusting” with powdered sugar can sometimes be difficult. We like to use THIS shaker to create the perfect topping.

Storage Suggestions

If you manage to have any leftover Bars + Brownies, these can store well if prepped appropriately. Once they have cooled completely, here is how you can store it:

• Counter: Store bars and brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, consider refrigerating instead to prevent them from getting too soft or melty.
• Refrigerator: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Freezer: To freeze, make sure bars and brownies are completely cooled and unfrosted. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap (or Press & Seal) and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. For easier portioning, wrap individual squares before freezing. Don’t forget to label with the date. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Enjoy More Delicious Citrus Bars Recipes

There’s nothing better than an easy brownie or bar recipe. Check out our comprehensive list of brownies, bars, and blondies here.

• Lemon Cookie Cheesecake Bars
• Frosted Gooey Lemon Bars
• Lemon Bars
• Lemon Brownies with Lemon Frosting