These Lime Shortbread Bars are a refreshing twist on the classic lemon bar! They have a buttery shortbread crust, a bright lime filling made with fresh lime juice and zest, and a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar! This snowy citrus dessert makes me crave summer! Craving more lime desserts? Don’t miss my easy Key Lime Bars—they are creamy, refreshing, and perfect for when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Crust: A shortbread crust is made with butter, sugar, and flour. It’s soft, crumbly, and tastes like a shortbread cookie! This buttery shortbread crust is an easy base for dessert bars like these lime shortbread bars.
- Filling: The filling in these lime shortbread bars is smooth, sweet, and full of fresh lime flavor. It’s made with real lime juice and zest. The soft and custard-like texture pairs perfectly with the buttery crust. This tangy lime filling will hit the spot if you love citrus dessert bars!
- Lime Flavor: These bars get their bold, zesty flavor from freshly squeezed lime juice and lime zest. It’s a fresh, citrusy combo that makes these lime dessert bars really stand out! Be sure to zest the lime before juicing it. I recommend having 2-3 limes on hand to ensure you have enough juice and zest for the recipe.
- Topping: The confectioners’ sugar topping (also called powdered sugar) adds a sweet, smooth finish to these lime shortbread bars. It’s the perfect touch that balances the tangy lime filling and buttery crust, making every bite just the right mix of sweet and citrusy.
Can I Use Lemon Instead Of Lime In Shortbread Bars?
Absolutely! If you prefer lemon over lime, you can easily substitute fresh lemon juice and lemon zest in place of the lime juice and zest in this recipe. Just be sure to use 2-3 lemons to get the right amount of juice and zest for the recipe.
Can I Use Key Limes In Lime Shortbread Bars?
Yes! Key limes work great in lime shortbread bars and give the filling a slightly more intense flavor compared to regular (Persian) limes. Since key limes are smaller, you will need more of them—about 5 to 6 key limes to get 3 tablespoons of juice and 1 tablespoon of zest. Whether you use key limes or regular limes, the bars will be tangy, bright, and delicious! If you are a fan of the key lime flavor, you might also love my Key Lime Pie Bars!
Tips For Perfect Lime Shortbread Bars
- Zesting the Lime: Be sure to zest your lime before juicing it. This will help avoid mess and ensure you get the full flavor from the zest.
- Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice may not have the same bright, tangy taste that fresh limes provide.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter will help the crust come together better, creating a smooth and crumbly texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing.
- Check the Filling for Doneness: To make sure the lime filling is set, the edges should be golden, and the center should have a slight wobble but not be too soft.
- Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar Topping: The confectioners’ sugar (also called powdered sugar) topping is a key part of these bars. It helps balance the tangy lime flavor and adds a sweet finish that complements the buttery crust.
- Chill the Bars: For the best texture and flavor, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature and then refrigerate them overnight. Chilling helps the filling set fully and makes it easier to cut into perfect squares.
How To Store Lime Shortbread Bars
After the bars have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days. If I have already cut the bars, I like to separate the stacks with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking. For the best texture and flavor, serve them chilled.
Can I Freeze Lime Shortbread Bars?
If you would like to keep them longer, lime shortbread bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Lime Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ⅓ cups (167 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Filling
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
Topping
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, flour, and granulated sugar until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, in a medium bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth.
- Pour the lime filling over the hot crust as soon as the crust comes out of the oven.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is just set in the center and the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and dust immediately with confectioners’ sugar.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate overnight for best texture.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
I am not usually a huge fan of lime or lemon bars, but if you love lime desserts, these are great! They have plenty of lime flavor, and I love the shortbread crust.
Elizabeth
I was pleasantly surprised that I liked these bars! Sometimes, the filling is too gooey, but these were perfect.
Stephanie
This is such a simple, refreshing dessert that are so easy to make! I love them!
Annabelle
These would be perfect for a hot day–so refreshing and perfect for summer!
Bella
The lime filling goes really great with the shortbread crust. I could see these going fast at a potluck!
These are also known as Snowy Citrus Bars, an original recipe by Mary Byrd Ellison.
