Bright, buttery, and blissfully simple, Key Lime Shortbread Bars pair a tender shortbread crust with a creamy key lime filling for a dessert that’s equal parts zesty and indulgent. They’re make-ahead friendly, slice beautifully, and deliver a bakery-quality finish without complicated steps. Ideal for brunches, picnics, and summer parties, these bars showcase fresh citrus flavor balanced by sweetened condensed milk for a silky texture. Serve chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream and lime zest for an elegant touch. One bite and these Key Lime Shortbread Bars will become your new go-to citrus treat.
Why You’ll Love These Key Lime Shortbread Bars
If you’re craving a dessert that’s bright, buttery, and irresistibly refreshing, Key Lime Shortbread Bars deserve a spot at the top of your baking list. Imagine a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust topped with a silky, citrusy key lime custard—zesty enough to wake up your taste buds, yet smooth and creamy for a perfectly balanced bite. These Key Lime Shortbread Bars bring bakery-level flavor with simple pantry staples, and they slice into gorgeous squares that look as good as they taste. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, planning a summer potluck, or just want a weeknight treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What sets Key Lime Shortbread Bars apart is the contrast of textures and flavors. The buttery shortbread base bakes to a delicate crumble that supports a tangy key lime layer made with sweetened condensed milk and fresh key lime juice. The balance of sweet and tart is spot-on—no cloying sweetness, just clean citrus brightness and a luxurious finish. They’re easy to make ahead, chill beautifully, and taste even better the next day as the flavors mingle. Serve them simply with a dusting of powdered sugar or dress them up with whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest.
These bars are also wonderfully practical. The recipe scales up for parties, travels well, and slices neatly for dessert trays or lunchbox treats. If you can’t find key limes, you can use regular limes with a splash of bottled key lime juice to mimic that signature flavor. With minimal prep and a straightforward bake, Key Lime Shortbread Bars bring sunshine to any table—no fuss, all flavor, and a finish that keeps everyone reaching for seconds.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store covered for 4–5 days. Keep chilled for the best texture and clean slices.
- Freezer: Freeze bars (well wrapped) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Bake and chill up to 24 hours in advance. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Summary
Buttery shortbread base topped with a silky, tangy key lime custard. These Key Lime Shortbread Bars are easy to make, slice cleanly, and deliver bright citrus flavor in every bite.
Equipment
- 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan, parchment-lined
- Mixing bowls and whisk
- Hand mixer (optional)
- Microplane zester and citrus juicer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Key Lime Filling
- 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh key lime juice (or regular lime juice with 1–2 tbsp bottled key lime juice)
- 1 tbsp finely grated lime zest
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
To Finish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Whipped cream and extra lime zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust: Beat butter and sugar until creamy (1–2 minutes). Mix in vanilla. Add flour and salt; blend just until a soft dough forms.
- Par-bake: Press dough evenly into the pan. Dock lightly with a fork. Bake 18–22 minutes until lightly golden at the edges. Cool 5–10 minutes.
- Filling: Whisk sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Bake: Pour filling over warm crust. Bake 13–16 minutes until the center is set with a slight jiggle.
- Chill: Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 3 hours (preferably 4+) until fully set.
- Serve: Lift from the pan, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into bars. Garnish with whipped cream and zest if desired.
Notes
- Freshly grated zest adds essential aromatic oils—don’t skip it.
- For ultra-clean edges, warm a knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice.
- A brief par-bake keeps the crust crisp under the creamy filling.
Tips for Success
- Measure accurately: Spoon and level flour to maintain the delicate shortbread texture.
- Don’t overbake the filling: Remove when set with a slight wiggle; it will finish setting as it cools.
- Chill thoroughly: Cold bars slice neatly and taste brighter.
- Zest first, then juice: It’s much easier to zest whole limes.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Coconut-lime: Mix 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut into the crust.
- Graham-shortbread hybrid: Replace 1/2 cup flour with 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs for a toasty note.
- Extra tart: Add 1–2 additional tablespoons lime juice and a pinch more zest.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the crust.
- Lemon or passionfruit: Swap lime juice for lemon or passionfruit puree for a twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
Yes. Use fresh lime juice and add a tablespoon of bottled key lime juice if available to mimic the signature flavor.
Why is my crust crumbly?
Too much flour or overbaking can dry it out. Weigh flour when possible and bake just until lightly golden.
How do I know when the filling is done?
The edges should be set and the center should have a slight jiggle. Overbaking leads to cracks and a rubbery texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Bake in a 9×13 pan. Par-bake the crust 20–23 minutes; bake the filling 16–20 minutes.
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Yes, store chilled due to the custard-style filling.
Conclusion
Bright citrus, buttery crumb, and a silky smooth finish—Key Lime Shortbread Bars deliver a bakery-caliber treat with minimal effort. Make them for parties, picnics, or a refreshing finish to any meal, and enjoy a perfectly balanced bite of sweet-meets-tart every time.
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