These vibrant lime bars feature a delicious shortbread base and a perfectly sweet and tart lime custard filling. Easily made gluten-free and dairy-free, they’re topped with powdered sugar and lime zest for an extra special touch. The ultimate summer treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These lime bars offer a delightful combination of a rich, buttery crust and a refreshing, tangy lime filling. The crust is made with almond flour, providing a gluten-free base, while the filling combines fresh lime juice and zest for a burst of citrus flavor. They’re perfect for summer gatherings or as a special dessert to enjoy at home.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
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1 ½ cups (168g) fine blanched almond flour
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3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
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2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lime Filling:
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons lime zest
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½ cup (100g) fresh squeezed lime juice (from about 6 to 10 limes)
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4 large eggs
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¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour (use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free)
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2 tablespoons salted butter or vegan butter, at room temperature
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1 to 4 drops of artificial dye-free green food coloring (optional, for a bright green color)
For Serving:
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
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Additional lime zest, optional
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Shortbread Base:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
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Mix until a dough forms.
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Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Lime Filling:
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In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and lime zest. Use your fingers to rub the sugar and zest together, releasing the oils and enhancing the lime flavor.
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Add the fresh lime juice to the sugar mixture and stir to combine.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
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Add the eggs to the lime-sugar mixture and whisk until combined.
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Stir in the flour until the mixture is smooth.
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Add the butter and stir until melted and incorporated.
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If using food coloring, add the desired number of drops and mix well.
Assemble and Bake:
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Pour the lime filling over the partially cooled crust.
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Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles.
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Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
Serve:
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Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle additional lime zest if desired.
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Cut into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 16 squares
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes (includes baking and cooling)
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Total Time: Approximately 7 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Variations
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the filling and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter in the filling with vegan butter.
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Color Variation: Add a few drops of natural green food coloring derived from spinach or spirulina powder for a green hue without artificial additives.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover lime bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
2. How do I make the crust firmer?
Ensure the crust is baked until lightly golden and cooled properly before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. They actually taste better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
4. How can I make the bars less sweet?
Reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the filling by ¼ cup, but note that this may affect the texture.
5. Can I add a meringue topping to these bars?
Yes, a light meringue topping would pair nicely with the tart lime filling. Just be sure to bake it lightly so it doesn’t overwhelm the flavors.
6. Can I substitute the maple syrup in the crust with honey or agave?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave. However, the flavor may change slightly depending on the sweetener used.
7. How do I prevent the filling from cracking?
Make sure the bars are fully chilled before cutting into them, and avoid overbaking to prevent cracking.
8. Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
While lime is the traditional choice, lemon or even orange would work well for a citrus twist.
9. Are these lime bars kid-friendly?
Yes! The tartness of the lime filling is balanced by the sweetness, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
10. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan to make a larger batch.
Conclusion
These lime bars with a shortbread base and a tangy lime custard filling are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them at a summer gathering or indulging in a refreshing treat at home, their vibrant flavor and easy preparation make them a must-try. Plus, with options for gluten-free and dairy-free versions, everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
Print
Lime Bars with Shortbread Base and Tangy Lime Filling
- Total Time: Approximately 7 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 squares
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These vibrant lime bars feature a buttery shortbread base and a perfectly sweet yet tart lime custard filling. Easily made gluten-free and dairy-free, they’re topped with powdered sugar and fresh lime zest for a refreshing and zesty treat. Perfect for summer gatherings or a delicious dessert, these lime bars are a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
1 ½ cups (168g) fine blanched almond flour
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lime Filling:
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lime zest
½ cup (100g) fresh squeezed lime juice (from about 6 to 10 limes)
4 large eggs
¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour (use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free)
2 tablespoons salted butter or vegan butter, at room temperature
1 to 4 drops of artificial dye-free green food coloring (optional)
For Serving:
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Additional lime zest, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Shortbread Base:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Lime Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and lime zest. Use your fingers to rub the sugar and zest together to release the oils. Add the fresh lime juice to the sugar mixture and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten, then add them to the lime-sugar mixture and whisk until combined. Stir in the flour until the mixture is smooth. Add the butter and stir until melted and incorporated. If using food coloring, add the desired number of drops and mix well.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the lime filling over the partially cooled crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the filling is set and no longer jiggles. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
Serve:
Once chilled, dust the top with powdered sugar and sprinkle with additional lime zest if desired. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the filling and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with vegan butter.
Food Coloring: Natural green food coloring (such as from spinach or spirulina powder) can be used instead of artificial dyes for a cleaner green hue.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (including baking and cooling)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
