Key Lime Shortbread Bars: A Tropical Delight

Introduction

Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to transport your taste buds to the tropics. Key Lime Shortbread Bars are a delightful dessert that marries the tangy sweetness of key limes with the rich, buttery crumble of shortbread. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these delectable bars, perfect for any occasion or a quick indulgence.

Who This Recipe Is For

These Key Lime Shortbread Bars are for anyone who appreciates the zesty flavor of key limes and enjoys the crumbly goodness of shortbread. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a weekend treat, or simply because you’re craving a taste of the tropics, these bars are sure to be a hit. With their harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors, they are a crowd-pleaser and a true tropical delight.

The Allure of Key Lime Shortbread Bars

The appeal of these bars lies in their harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The zesty key lime filling perfectly complements the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust. Each bite is a symphony of contrasting sensations, making these bars an irresistible treat. They’re a taste of the tropics in every bite, and their vibrant green color adds a touch of elegance to any dessert spread.

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Key Lime Filling:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons key lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Kitchen Equipment

To prepare these bars, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

  • 9×9-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper (if not greasing the pan)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer (or a hand mixer)
  • Whisk
  • Zester
  • Sharp knife
  • Refrigerator (for chilling the bars)

Directions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these Key Lime Shortbread Bars:

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 2: Form the Crust

  1. Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

  1. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Key Lime Filling

  1. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, key lime juice, key lime zest, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Add the Filling

  1. Pour the key lime filling over the partially baked shortbread crust.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

  1. Bake the bars in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for a few hours until they’re fully set.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

  1. Once the bars are chilled and set, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or bars.
  2. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Garnish:

For an extra touch of elegance, add a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of key lime as a garnish.

Meringue Topping:

For a more traditional key lime pie experience, consider topping the bars with a layer of sweet meringue before baking until golden brown.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Key Lime Shortbread Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for a few days, although they’re best when consumed within the first couple of days. The shortbread crust can lose its delightful crumble if stored for too long, so savor them while they’re at their best.

FAQ

Q: Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?

A: Yes, you can use regular limes if key limes are not available. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious. Just be sure to adjust the quantity of lime juice and zest to your taste.

Q: Can I use store-bought lime juice and zest?

A: While freshly squeezed key lime juice and zest are preferred for the best flavor, you can use store-bought if needed. However, the fresh key limes do impart a unique, zesty flavor that enhances the bars.

Q: Can I make these bars in advance for a special occasion?

A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. In fact, allowing them to chill in the refrigerator enhances the flavors and makes them easier to cut into perfect squares.

In Conclusion

Key Lime Shortbread Bars are a delightful dessert that’s simple to make and bursting with the flavors of key limes. With a buttery shortbread crust and a tangy, sweet filling, they’re a treat that will transport your taste buds to the tropics. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor these Key Lime Shortbread Bars for a taste of sunshine in every bite.

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