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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, key lime juice, and key lime zest until well combined.
Pour the lime mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before serving.
Optional: Dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar before cutting into squares and serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these expert tips to ensure your Key Lime Shortbread Bars turn out perfectly:
– Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the flour and powdered sugar for the crust. This will help achieve the desired texture.
– Use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice may alter the taste of the bars.
– Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating. This will help them set properly.
– For a neat presentation, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar just before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’d like to put a twist on the classic Key Lime Shortbread Bars, here are a few variations you can try:
– Graham Cracker Crust: Substitute the shortbread crust with a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor.
– Coconut Key Lime Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crust or sprinkle it on top of the bars before baking for a tropical twist.
– Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the bars gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
These Key Lime Shortbread Bars are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a few accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:
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