Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Begin with the shortbread crust: cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in 1½ cups flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. Firmly press this into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden at the edges.
For the key lime topping, whisk together granulated sugar and eggs. Mix in lime juice and zest. Sift in ¼ cup flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour this key lime mixture over the baked shortbread crust.
Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the topping sets and the edges are golden.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack, then chill in the fridge to set, which may take about an hour.
Before serving, lightly dust with powdered sugar for garnish.
Serving Suggestions:
Cut into squares or rectangles. These bars are a versatile treat, perfect for summer picnics, friendly gatherings, or as a delightful end to a long day. Let the zestful lime flavor and sumptuous shortbread base take you on a brief escape to a tropical paradise. So, why wait? Save this recipe and let your kitchen be the start of this tantalizing journey!
ADVERTISEMENT
