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
