Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist of citrus in our unique and original Citrus Bliss Bars. These zesty treats are inspired by the charming history of key limes, which were once known as Mexican limes and found their way to the Florida Keys during a challenging winter in the late 19th century. Today, key limes are a cherished delicacy that brings a burst of sunshine to your palate. Our recipe combines the buttery goodness of shortbread with the tangy goodness of key lime in a delectable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Shortbread:
- 1 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup of powdered sugar
For the Citrusy Topping:
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- Juice of 3-4 key limes or regular limes (about 1/4 cup), strained
- 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of key lime zest
- Powdered sugar and/or extra lime zest for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Shortbread Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, all-purpose flour, and powdered sugar. Mix these ingredients until they form a crumbly dough.
Line an 8”x8” baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that it extends about 1/2 inch up the sides.
Press the prepared dough evenly into the lined baking dish. Make sure the shortbread base is well-distributed.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.
Step 2: Creating the Citrusy Topping
While the shortbread base is baking, prepare the citrusy topping.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they become foamy.
Add in the strained lime juice, cornstarch, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, and no lumps remain.
Stir in the key lime zest to infuse the topping with that delightful citrus flavor.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking
Once the shortbread base is ready, remove it from the oven.
Pour the prepared citrusy topping evenly over the warm shortbread base.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-28 minutes. The bars are done when the center is no longer jiggly, and the top has a beautiful golden hue.
Step 4: Chilling and Garnishing
Allow the Citrus Bliss Bars to cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, place them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
Before serving, add a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of extra lime zest on top.
Finally, cut your chilled bars into 16-25 squares, depending on your desired portion size.
Conclusion:
These Citrus Bliss Bars bring together the sweet nostalgia of shortbread with the zesty charm of key limes, creating a dessert that’s bound to brighten your day. Enjoy the unique and refreshing flavors of these bars that pay homage to the intriguing history of key limes. Share them with friends and family, and let the citrusy goodness transport your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
image source : allwecook
