Lime Bar Recipe
Oh, you’re going to love this Lime Bar Recipe! Sweet and tart flavors are perfectly balanced for a delicious treat. With simple ingredients, a little time in the kitchen is all that’s needed. This treat will quickly become a family favorite, trust me. Plus, they’re perfect for picnics, parties, or just a lazy afternoon snack.
You know, dessert recipes like this are such lifesavers when life feels so busy. A warm dessert brings everyone together, don’t you think? From brownies to cookies and now these bars, something sweet has always created smiles around the table.

The beauty of simple baked goods, packed with flavor, shouldn’t be overlooked. Plus, having a go-to recipe makes it easier to whip up something special without stress.
Making treats like this at home is such a win-win, isn’t it? Recipes like this are perfect for everything—quiet nights at home, birthdays, or even potluck gatherings. Not only do they taste fresher and more delicious, but you save so much money compared to buying store-bought desserts.
Plus, there’s something satisfying about knowing exactly what’s going into your food—no mystery ingredients here! And honestly, these lime bars are so easy to make that even the kids can help out. Nothing beats a homemade treat that’s affordable, fun to create, and loved by everyone!

Citrus Dessert Recipes
Citrus desserts bring a special kind of magic to the table, blending bright, tangy flavors with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re fresh, zesty, and impossible to resist!
Each recipe highlights the versatility of citrus, adding a pop of brightness that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and savor the sweet excitement of these citrusy creations!
Ingredients Needed To Make These Homemade Lime Bars
Ingredients for this lime bar recipe are so simple, yet each plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Every ingredient works together for a dessert that’s irresistible!
Ingredients and Their Importance:
Lime Zest – Intensifies the citrus flavor and adds a vibrant, aromatic touch to the filling.
Butter – Adds richness and creates a flaky, buttery crust that crumbles perfectly with every bite.
Unbleached Flour – Forms the structure of the crust and filling while keeping the texture light and not overly dense.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the crust delicately and ensures it has that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Salt – Balances out the sweetness by enhancing all the other flavors in the recipe.
Eggs – Helps bind the lime filling, giving it that smooth, creamy texture and keeping everything together.
Sugar – Sweetens the tart lime filling to perfection for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Fresh Lime Juice – Provides the signature tangy zing that makes these bars so refreshing and delightful.

Butter gives the crust that rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Unbleached flour is the base for both the crust and filling, keeping things light and wholesome. Powdered sugar sweetens the crust just right, while also creating a soft texture. A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness and balances everything beautifully.

Eggs are essential for binding the filling, adding creaminess and structure. Sugar sweetens the lime filling perfectly without being overpowering. Fresh juice is the heart of the recipe, delivering that crisp, tart flavor, and zest takes it up a notch with a burst of citrusy aroma.
Best Tips for Making Homemade Lime Bars
If you’ve never made homemade dessert bars at home before, it might feel a little overwhelming. Here are some of my best tips.
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time – Having everything measured and ready to go makes the process so much smoother and stress-free.
- Use fresh limes – Trust me, bottled lime juice just doesn’t cut it. Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor and aroma.
- Zest before juicing – It’s so much easier to zest your limes while they’re still whole. Don’t skip this step; the zest adds incredible freshness!
- Don’t overmix the crust ingredients – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the crust tough instead of perfectly tender and crumbly.
- Press the crust evenly – Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan.
- Bake the crust first – Pre-baking the crust is key to getting that perfect texture. It stops the filling from soaking in and making it soggy.
- Whisk the filling well – Make sure to whisk your eggs and lime juice mixture until fully smooth and combined for a velvety filling.
- Don’t overbake the filling – Bake just until the center is set. Overbaking can cause the filling to curdle or crack.
- Cool completely before cutting – I know it’s tempting to slice in right away, but letting the bars cool helps them firm up and slice cleanly.
- Chill for best flavor – After cooling, pop them in the fridge for a couple of hours. They taste even better when they’re cold!
- Use a sharp knife to cut – For smooth, neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This will keep things tidy.
- Dust with powdered sugar – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top makes them extra pretty and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Store in an airtight container – Keep any leftovers in the fridge to stay fresh. They usually last up to 3–4 days, but they might not last that long!
Follow these tips, and you’re sure to get perfect, delicious lime bars every time! I promise.

How many limes do you need for an ounce of lime juice?
On average, you’ll need about 1 to 2 medium-sized limes to get an ounce of juice. It can vary depending on how juicy your fruits are, so it’s always a good idea to have an extra lime or two on hand just in case!
What flavors go best with lime?
It is one of those superstar flavors that works magic in both sweet and savory dishes. Its tangy brightness pairs beautifully with creamy, rich flavors like coconut and avocado, creating a refreshing balance perfect for tropical desserts or zesty guacamole. It also shines when partnered with naturally sweet ingredients like honey, mango, or blueberries, where its sharp acidity enhances their natural sweetness. The same goes for pineapple, where citrus zest provides a tangy contrast that tastes like summer in every bite. And if you’re feeling indulgent, try combining this fruit with dark chocolate or vanilla for a surprisingly sophisticated twist on classic desserts.
But this fruit isn’t just for sweet treats—it elevates savory and spicy dishes too. Its citrusy zing complements bold flavors like garlic or chili, adding brightness to marinades and tacos with just a squeeze. Pair it with cilantro or ginger for extra layers of fresh, herbaceous notes in salads, salsas, or stir-fries. This citrus fruit also teams effortlessly with soy sauce, peanut, or basil, creating bold and balanced flavors for Asian-inspired dishes. Even simpler pairings, like lime and cucumber, create cool, refreshing combinations in drinks and soups. Whether you’re exploring sweet or savory creations, lime has a way of making every flavor alongside it truly pop.
What can I do with excess lime?
It’s not a good use of our budget if we buy ingredients that we can’t use up. After making your lime bar recipe, if you have some of the fruit leftover, here are some things you can do with it.
- Freeze the juice – Squeeze out the juice and freeze it in ice cube trays. Perfect for future recipes or a quick splash in drinks!
- Make limeade – A simple mix of the juice, water, and sugar makes a refreshing homemade limeade. Add mint or berries for a fun twist!
- Whip up margaritas or mocktails – This citrus fruit is the star of so many drinks! Think margaritas, mojitos, or non-alcoholic spritzers with soda water and a touch of sweetness.
- Create zesty marinades – Combine the juice with olive oil, garlic, and spices for an amazing marinade for chicken, fish, or veggies.
- Use for salad dressings – The zesty juice adds a fresh tang to dressings. It pairs perfectly with olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt.
- Brighten up your cooking – Squeeze it over tacos, grilled meats, or roasted veggies to enhance their flavor. It’s magic!
- Make lime sugar or salt – Zest the fruit and mix with sugar or coarse salt for a citrusy rim for cocktails or a fun topper for desserts.
- Deodorize your garbage disposal – Toss leftover peels into your disposal, run it with water, and enjoy the fresh scent.
- Clean cutting boards – Sprinkle salt on your cutting board and scrub it with the halved zesty fruit. It cleans, deodorizes, and smells amazing!
- Polish faucets and sinks – Use thejuice on a cloth to shine up stainless steel. It cuts through grime and leaves everything sparkling.
- Infuse water – Add the slices to your water or tea for a refreshing citrus flavor. Toss in cucumber or mint if you’re feeling fancy! I actually prefer it in my water opposed to lemon. It’s soooo good!
- Make a homemade sugar scrub – Mix the juice with sugar and coconut oil for an all-natural scrub that smells great and leaves your skin soft.
- Dry the zest – Save the zest by drying it out. Use it later for baking or garnishing dishes.
- Boost your plants – If you compost, these peels are a great addition! They break down well and add nutrients to the soil.
- Create lime popsicles – Mix leftover juice with water, sugar, or honey and freeze in molds for a tart, icy treat the kids will love.
With these ideas, no fruit will go to waste—you’ll find a way to use them all! Plus, your house, meals, and even your drinks will get a bright boost!
Recipes Using Limes
If you love citrus as much as we do, here are some more recipes that you and your family might love! There’s no end to the delicious possibilities when it comes to this zesty citrus fruit, and these recipes are sure to become family favorites.
These recipes show just how versatile lime can be, whether you’re baking, sipping, or creating refreshing treats!
There’s just something magical about making desserts like these bars at home. The simplicity of the recipe, paired with the vibrant flavor of zest, makes it a keeper you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, these treats have a way of turning any moment into something special.
Gather your ingredients, bring the kids along to help, and enjoy the process—because there’s no better feeling than sharing homemade goodness that’s made with love. Go ahead, give these homemade bars a try, and watch the smiles light up around your table!

Lime Bar Recipe
Make these lime bars from scratch instead of buying store bought. These are incredible!
Ingredients
- 2 Sticks of Butter
- 2 Cups Unbleached Flour
- 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
- 4 Eggs
- 2 Cups Sugar
- 5 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
- Lime Zest and Powdered Sugar to Garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350º.
- Line a 9×13 Glass Baking Dish with Parchment Paper.
- For the crust: In a large microwaveable bowl, melt butter in 15-30 second increments until melted and combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Slightly mix with a fork. do not over mix.
- Press dough into the prepared pan and bake for 22 minutes or until the edges are lightly brown.
- While the crust is baking, slightly beat eggs in another mixing bowl.
- Whisk in sugar and lime juice until combined.
- Pour lime mixture into baked crust as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and bake for another 20 minutes or until the center is set.
- After the lime bars are done, dust with powdered sugar and lime zest and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
If you cut the bars a bit smaller, you could get 16 bars our of one recipe. Totally up to you!