Dessert

Lime Bars Recipe

BySana Jeannette February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

Introduction

Lime bars are a refreshing twist on classic citrus desserts, combining a buttery crust with a tangy, vibrant lime filling. Perfect for warm days or anytime you want a bright, zesty treat that’s easy to make and delightful to share.

The image shows a stack of three square lime bars, each with two visible layers: a bright green, smooth and slightly glossy top layer, and a pale beige, crumbly base layer. The bars are dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. Behind the stack, there are more lime bars arranged flat on a white marbled surface. On the lower left, two lime wedges with bright green skin and pale green flesh sit on the same surface. A white-handled sifter with some powdered sugar inside rests near the bottom right corner. The background includes a white bowl filled with whole green limes and a soft green cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup powdered sugar

¼ tsp salt
½ cup butter (cut into 8 pieces)

1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour

4 large eggs
2 tsp lime zest
⅔ cup fresh lime juice

Drop of green (+ yellow) food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease or line an 11×7-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both sides for easy removal.
Step 2: To make the crust, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 3: While the crust bakes, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the lime zest, fresh lime juice, and a drop of green and yellow food coloring if you want a vibrant color. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Pour the filling over the hot crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before serving. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan easily. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before cutting and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best bright flavor; bottled juice can be too tart or muted.
For a twist, add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh mint to the filling mixture.
If you don’t have a food processor, use a pastry cutter or two forks to blend the crust ingredients until crumbly.

Adjust the food coloring to achieve your preferred shade or skip it for natural color.

Storage

Store leftover lime bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They taste best cold or at room temperature. Reheat slightly in the microwave if you prefer a softer texture, but be careful not to melt the filling.

How to Serve

A stack of three square lime bars is centered in the image, each bar showing two main layers: a bright green, smooth and slightly glossy lime filling on top, and a pale beige, crumbly crust at the bottom; the top bar is dusted with fine white powdered sugar. Behind the stack, more lime bars are cut into squares and spread out flat on a white marbled surface, appearing fresh and evenly sliced. In the foreground, a few lime wedges with green skin and pale green flesh rest on the white marbled surface, adding a fresh touch. A white-handled sifter with powdered sugar is slightly visible at the bottom right, and a white bowl filled with whole green limes is softly blurred in the background. The whole scene is bright and clean, with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make lime bars ahead of time?

Yes, lime bars can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated. They often taste even better once chilled and set properly.

What if I don’t have fresh limes?

Fresh lime juice is important for the bright citrus flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled lime juice. Avoid concentrates as they may alter the taste and texture.