Delicious Key Lime Bars Recipe

To embark on the journey of crafting delightful key lime bars, start with the essentials:

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups flour
• 1½ sticks of salted butter at room temperature
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for garnish)

Crafting the Shortbread Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
2. Begin the shortbread crust by creaming together room temperature salted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture achieves a light and fluffy consistency.
3. Incorporate 1½ cups of flour into the mixture until it becomes crumbly.
4. Firmly press the shortbread crust into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.

The Key Lime Topping: A Symphony of Flavors

Now, let’s elevate the bars with a zesty key lime topping:

Ingredients for the Topping:

• 1¼ cups sugar
• 2 room temperature eggs
• ¼ cup lime juice (from key limes) and 1 teaspoon zest
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crafting the Key Lime Topping:

1. Whisk together granulated sugar and room temperature eggs until well combined.
2. Mix in lime juice and zest to infuse the topping with a burst of citrusy goodness.
3. Sift in ¼ cup flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and stir in the vanilla extract for a harmonious blend of flavors.
4. Pour the key lime mixture over the pre-baked shortbread crust.

Baking Perfection: Bringing it All Together

1. Bake the assembled creation for an additional 20-25 minutes until the topping sets and the edges achieve a golden hue.
2. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors set.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions:

• Before serving, lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar for an elegant garnish.
• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles for a versatile treat.
• Perfect for summer picnics, friendly gatherings, or as a delightful end to a long day.