Elevate your dessert experience with the perfect balance of tangy key lime and buttery shortbread in these exquisite Key Lime Shortbread Bars. These bars boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing citrus zing that will transport you to a sunny oasis with every bite. Follow this delightful recipe for a taste of zesty elegance.
Ingredients:
For the Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Key Lime Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed if possible) 🍈
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 2 key limes
For Dusting (Optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare Shortbread Base:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
- Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Shortbread Base:
- Bake the shortbread base in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare Key Lime Filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the key lime juice, flour, baking powder, and key lime zest. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour Filling Over Shortbread:
- Pour the key lime filling over the partially baked shortbread base, spreading it evenly.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and Chill:
- Allow the Key Lime Shortbread Bars to cool in the baking dish. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavor and make the bars easier to cut.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional):
- If desired, dust the top of the chilled bars with powdered sugar just before serving for a touch of elegance.
- Slice and Serve:
- Using the parchment paper, lift the chilled bars out of the baking dish and onto a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Key Lime Shortbread Bars chilled. These bars are perfect for a refreshing dessert on a warm day.
These Key Lime Shortbread Bars will take your taste buds to the tropics, where the zesty appeal of key limes combines with the buttery richness of shortbread. Enjoy these delicious bars with your loved ones and watch as the zesty sophistication transforms your dessert table. 🍈🍪✨