If you’ve ever dreamed of a treat that perfectly balances tangy citrus and buttery sweetness, these Lime Shortbread Bars will absolutely make your day. With a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust and a bright, zesty lime filling, every bite delivers a pop of sunshine and comfort—ideal for sharing at gatherings or savoring with your afternoon tea. Their combination of creamy citrus curd and tender, rich base makes them absolutely irresistible, and I promise, once you try them, you’ll find yourself craving just “one more bite” again and again!

Lime Shortbread Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh limes to create these Lime Shortbread Bars, but each plays an essential role. The crust is all about buttery richness and bite, while the filling lets the limes shine and transforms the texture into something truly special. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus a few tips to ensure each ingredient does its magic.

Unsalted butter (softened): Set your butter out ahead of time for ultimate creaminess—this is the backbone of that melt-away crust.
Powdered sugar: Adds tender sweetness to the crust without a crunchy texture; don’t be tempted to swap for granulated here!
All-purpose flour: You’ll use it for both the crust and the filling—makes the bars sturdy enough to slice, yet perfectly delicate.
Salt: Just a pinch makes all the buttery and citrus flavors pop.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the luscious lime filling—be sure they’re room temperature for smooth mixing.
Granulated sugar: To sweeten the filling and balance the sourness of the limes; don’t skimp!
Fresh lime juice: For that unmistakable tart, lively citrus bite—fresh-squeezed makes all the difference.
Lime zest: Zest adds fragrant, flavorful oils for a deep, vibrant lime essence—zest your limes before you juice them!
Optional topping: A dusting of powdered sugar and a scatter of extra lime zest make the bars look as good as they taste.

How to Make Lime Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides—trust me, this little step makes lifting out your bars an absolute breeze. It’s a simple move that will make your finished squares look bakery-perfect!

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is creamy and pale—this is where that irresistible shortbread texture begins. Add in the flour and salt, then mix until everything’s just combined and crumbly. Press the dough evenly over the bottom of your prepared pan; don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect, just aim for even thickness. Pop it in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges turn just the faintest golden brown.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Lime Filling

While the crust is in the oven, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and slightly thickened. Next, add in the flour, fresh lime juice, and glorious lime zest. Whisk until everything’s thoroughly combined and the mixture looks a bit creamy. This step is all about layers of citrus flavor!

Step 4: Combine and Bake Again

When your crust comes out golden, immediately pour the lime filling over the hot base. Return the pan to the oven, baking for another 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for the center to just set; if you give the pan a gentle jiggle, there shouldn’t be any wobble. This ensures you’ll have that dreamy, custardy layer atop your crisp crust.

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Slice

Resist the urge to slice right away! Let your Lime Shortbread Bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least two hours. This step guarantees clean, neat bars with luscious layers. Once chilled, lift out using the parchment, dust generously with powdered sugar and a little extra lime zest, and slice into perfect, eye-catching squares.

How to Serve Lime Shortbread Bars

Garnishes

A classic finish is a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar—elegant, simple, and just sweet enough. For a burst of color and extra zing, add more fresh lime zest on top. If you want to be a little fancy, a twist of lime peel or even candied lime slices make these bars party-ready!

Side Dishes

Because the Lime Shortbread Bars are so bright and rich, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-luscious dessert experience. A platter of fresh berries or sliced stone fruit can also add beauty and a refreshing contrast to each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a picnic or shower, cut bars extra-small and pile them up on a tiered cake stand for a lovely centerpiece. At summer gatherings, try serving Lime Shortbread Bars in cupcake liners for a grab-and-go treat. For a twist on tradition, sandwich a little berry jam between two thin bars for a surprise filling guaranteed to wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Lime Shortbread Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to five days, and in fact, the flavors become even more vibrant after a day or two—the citrus intensifies and the crust stays perfectly tender.

Freezing

Need to prep ahead? Lime Shortbread Bars freeze wonderfully. Arrange cooled, cut bars in a single layer (with parchment between layers, if stacking) in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw bars overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

These bars are meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer a slightly warmer treat, pop them on the counter for about 30 minutes before serving so the layers soften just enough—but be careful not to microwave or you’ll risk melting the delicate sugar topping.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice offers the bright, zesty flavor that makes Lime Shortbread Bars shine. Bottled juice tends to taste dull or even a bit bitter; for the best possible bars, definitely squeeze those limes yourself!

Can I substitute lemons or other citrus fruit?

Absolutely! Lemon or even key lime juice makes a delicious variation, offering a different citrus character. You can even use a mix for a more complex flavor, but keeping at least some lime is key for that signature tang.

How do I get clean slices without the filling sticking to the knife?

The trick to perfect, sharp-edged bars is to chill thoroughly before slicing. Use a sharp chef’s knife, and wipe the blade clean between each cut. If you want extra-clean lines, dip the knife in hot water and dry it before each slice.

Can Lime Shortbread Bars be made gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour in both the crust and filling with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may be slightly more delicate, but the bright citrus flavor will shine just as brightly.

What’s the best way to zest limes?

I recommend using a microplane zester—it gives you super-fine zest without getting any of the bitter white pith. Always zest your limes before juicing them, as it’s much easier to handle whole fruit.

Final Thoughts

These Lime Shortbread Bars are the perfect treat to brighten up any day, bringing a burst of sunshine flavor to every table. If you love citrus and crave a sweet that feels both classic and utterly refreshing, give these bars a try—you might just discover a new family favorite!

Lime Shortbread Bars Recipe