These lime bars are a refreshing, sweet treat after any meal. Tangy and delicious, each bite reminds you of your favorite lime pie recipe, without the hassle of making a pie crust. They are so simple to put together that they become the hit of any gathering.
The Best Lime Bars
My mom came to visit recently from Southern California. She loves making the trip up to Oregon, not only to see her grandchildren (and me), but to enjoy the serenity of the countryside. Everything is so green here and picturesque in comparison to where she lives. If you want “green” in Southern California you have to water like crazy. We Oregonians rely mostly on mother nature, who has been quite generous with her raindrops this year!
When my mom visits we rarely run around and “do all the things” people might do when someone comes to vacation. Instead, we talk food and make lists of what we are going to cook. These Lime Bars were at the top of our list.
I like to refrigerate my bars before cutting them into squares for a “cleaner” slice, but it’s not necessary. I even love the way they taste when they’re cold…but that’s just me.
The thinly sliced lime on top is optional. It looks pretty and also let’s people know these are lime instead of lemon bars. Looks can be deceiving since they tend to be on the yellow side when it comes to color.
If you wanted them to look more green I suppose you could add a drop or two of food coloring if it was important to you. Your call.

These lime bars are just as zesty as my orange knot rolls.
It’s hard to enjoy only one, in fact you will need lots of willpower to not consume the whole pan. I wish you luck.
MORE LIME FLAVORED DESSERTS
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Best Lime Bars
Equipment
- Stand Mixer or hand mixer
Ingredients
- 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour divided
- 1/2 cup (more for dusting) confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- zest of two limes
- 6 tbsps. fresh lime juice
- 1/8 tsp. table salt
- 1 tsp. baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar, and butter until the mixture becomes dough-like. Press the dough into a 9 x 13 pan, extending it slightly up the sides (the edges should be slightly higher than the middle to prevent the filling from seeping under the crust). Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. (While the crust is baking, prepare the filling since you will be immediately pouring it onto the hot crust.)2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (more for dusting) confectioners' sugar, 1 cup butter, room temperature
- For the filling (to be made while the crust is baking), whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Fold in the remaining 1/4 cup of flour and baking powder until combined. Pour the mixture over the hot, baked crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Immediately place it back in the oven for 25 minutes, or until set.4 large eggs, room temperature, 2 cups granulated sugar, zest of two limes, 6 tbsps. fresh lime juice, 1/8 tsp. table salt, 1 tsp. baking powder
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle confectioners' sugar over the baked lime squares while they are still hot.
- When completely cooled, cut into squares. (I like to refrigerate mine overnight before cutting to get perfect edges, but it is not necessary.)
Notes
Nutrition
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Yvonne says
Looks yummy! But is there a way to make these less sugar and low carb? And still juicy and delish?
chris says
Just looking at the pics, I know its a keeper + your recipe reputation — never disappoints
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain says
Bring on the citrus! I can’t wait to make these!
Amy says
These just scream summer!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Gorgeous Lime Bars, Cathy! Thank you for sharing and for the link love!
Rachel @ Rachel Cooks says
Oh I need to try these ASAP. I love citrus bars of any kind!
Michelle De La Cerda says
This is genius! I have grown to love lemon bars but have always liked the flavor of lime more than lemon. I wonder why I haven’t thought to make lime bars!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
I love lime, these bars look so good!! I love when my mom visits, just hanging out, cooking, and having fun together.
Des @ Lifes Ambrosia says
What a perfect summer dessert!
Sommer @aspicyperspective says
These bars look so scrumptious!
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
These lime bars look irresistibly delicious! Trying them soon!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
These lime bars look absolutely perfect! I am so into all the citrus flavors right now too. 🙂
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
A friend of mine baked me some lime bars many years ago, and I’ve been craving them ever since! Happy to see your recipe!!
Deborah says
I love citrus, and could do some serious damage on these!
Serene @ House of Yumm says
Love anything lime!! These look fantastic!
Erin@WellPlated says
I like the way you and your mom hang!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I am a key lime fanatic – these bars look heavenly!
Jessica - The Novice Chef says
I always make lemon bars and never think to make lime bars! Going to try these asap!
Cathy Trochelman says
Oh, how I love key lime….I can’t wait to try this recipe!
BERENICE says
I love this lime recipe! I am torn between making these bars or the key lime pie. Can I make these bars in a 9×9 pie plate to get the best of both worlds? ? thanks
Cathy says
Sorry that won’t work for this recipe.
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
Delicious! Sounds like a fun visit with your mom!
Kevin Estis says
Hello,
I have all the ingredients and ready to make this. Wondering, do I need parchment paper?
Or is it ok to just spray some Pam on the baking sheet?
thanks!
Cathy says
This recipe does not call for parchment paper, Pam or a baking sheet???
Kevin Estis says
woof! I made these last night. They are phenomenal. Going to share the recipe now. Many thanks!!
Roshani says
Just love these kind of recipes – simple, light, fast and delicious. Can’t wait to try this. Thanks!!
Jill Roberts says
Awesome Lime Bars! I think it is really best pre-workout food:) Definitely will try them! I found your post from Pinterest! Thanks for sharing!
Julia Stearns @ Healthirony says
Fantastic photos, and amazing looking lime bars! I am obsessed with it! I’ll definitely try it! Thanks a lot for sharing!
Krystal L Jackson says
This recipe has made me just about the most popular person in any summer potluck – it’s gotten to the point where folks expect me to bring these delicious lime bars and don’t ask for anything else! Always a hit! THANK YOU for sharing this recipe! 🙂
Lisa says
I’m planning on making theses tomorrow but wondered if I freeze them?
Cathy Pollak says
They should be fine.