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Margarita Bars Recipe (Tangy, Zesty & Perfectly Sweet)
Isla Marie

Margarita Bars Recipe

A bright and tangy dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a smooth lime filling. These bars are sweet, zesty, and refreshing with a soft, custard-like texture. Perfect for summer treats, parties, or light desserts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 9 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cold, cubed
For the Filling:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional Toppings:
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Lime slices or extra zest for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Baking pan (8x8 inch)
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven
  • Knife

Method
 

Step 1. Preheat Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2. Make Crust
  1. In a bowl, mix flour and powdered sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Press evenly into the pan.
Step 3. Bake Crust
  1. Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4. Prepare Filling
  1. In another bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until smooth. Add lime juice, zest, and flour, mixing until well combined.
Step 5. Add Filling
  1. Pour filling over the warm crust evenly.
Step 6. Bake Again
  1. Bake for 18–22 minutes until the filling is set.
Step 7. Cool
  1. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Step 8. Serve
  1. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish if desired.

Video

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice for best flavor.
  • Do not overbake to keep filling soft and smooth.
  • Let bars cool fully before cutting for clean slices.
  • Line pan with parchment for easy removal.
  • Chill before serving for a firmer texture if desired.