Today I tried another dessert in my kitchen based on Key Lime It is the the Key Lime Bars with Shortbread Crust. They taste a bit sweet and a bit tangy, My family loved them so much and I as well, am here to show you how to make them with all the stuff you need and some fun ideas. Let’s start baking together!
Contents
Why you will love my Key Lime Bars recipe?
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Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Key Lime Filling:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
Kitchen Equipment
Before we dive into the Key Lime Bars with Shortbread Crust recipe, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment ready:
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Citrus juicer
- Zester
- Baking parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Directions
This is my Easy to Follow steps to make my Key Lime Bars with Shortbread Crust:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Take a big bowl and put in some flour, sugary powder, and a pinch of salt. Then, add cold pieces of butter and mix them up until they look like tiny crumbs. Push this mixture really hard into the bottom of a baking pan. Put it in a hot oven for about 20 minutes until it becomes a little brown. After that, let it cool down.
Make the Key Lime Filling
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest. Pour this heavenly mixture over the cooled shortbread crust.
Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set. It should have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
Cool and Chill
Allow your Key Lime Bars to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for a few hours or until they’re thoroughly chilled.
Slice and Serve
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares, dust them with powdered sugar, and serve. Your tangy Key Lime Bars with Shortbread Crust are ready to impress!
Tips
After baking, you have to let the bars cool down in the fridge so they become nice and cold. The filling is made from special green limes. Squeeze them to get their juice; it’s a bit sour but it’s tasty!
Recipe Variations
- Graham Cracker Crust: If you don’t have the special cookie crust, you can use graham crackers instead.
- Coconut Twist: You can make it extra yummy by adding some coconut (I love coconut). it reminds me always of Filipino cuisine.
- Meringue Topping: For a super fancy finish, you can make a meringue. or some whipped cream It’s like fluffy clouds on top of your bars!
FAQ
What If I Don’t Have Key Limes?
If you can’t find the special key limes, don’t worry! You can use regular limes instead. The taste may be a little bit different.
How to store Key Lime Bars with Shortbread Crust?
If you have some Key Lime Bars left, you can put them in a special box with a tight lid and keep them in the fridge for 3-4 days. Or, you can even put them in the freezer to enjoy later!
Using Store-Bought Lime Juice:
It’s better to use fresh key lime juice, but if you don’t have it, you can use the kind you buy from the store. Just make sure it’s 100% key lime juice with no extra sweet stuff in it.
Food and Drink Pairings
You can have more fun with your Key Lime Bars by trying different things. Like me I tried these bars with iced tea, the taste was perfect but you can try it with lemonade, or even a mojito. and I you have kids You can add some whipped cream on top like I did for my kids. Then, add a thin slice of fresh key lime for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
These Key Lime Bars with Shortbread Crust are the best dessert if you really like the taste of key limes. They’re easy to make and you can have them whenever you want, So, get ready, gather your ingredients, Follow my easy steps, and get ready to have a sweet and tangy treat. Don’t forget to tell your friends about it and read more dessert recipes on my blog.
Key Lime Bars with Shortbread Crust
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Key Lime Filling
- 4 large egg yolks
- 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
- 1 tablespoon key lime zest
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Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Take a big bowl and put in some flour, sugary powder, and a pinch of salt. Then, add cold pieces of butter and mix them up until they look like tiny crumbs. Push this mixture really hard into the bottom of a baking pan. Put it in a hot oven for about 20 minutes until it becomes a little brown. After that, let it cool down.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, and key lime zest. Pour this heavenly mixture over the cooled shortbread crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set. It should have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
- Allow your Key Lime Bars to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for a few hours or until they're thoroughly chilled.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares, dust them with powdered sugar, and serve. Your tangy Key Lime Bars with Shortbread Crust are ready to impress!
