Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Shortbread Base:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and lime zest. Mix until just combined.
- Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown around the edges. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Key Lime Filling:
- In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, key lime juice, all-purpose flour, and baking powder until well combined.
- Pour the key lime filling over the baked shortbread base.
4. Bake the Bars:
- Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is just slightly jiggly.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Key Lime Shortbread Bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until well chilled. This will make them easier to slice.
6. Slice and Garnish:
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board.
- Slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Garnish with thin lime slices for an extra touch of citrus flavor (optional).
7. Enjoy:
- Serve your Key Lime Shortbread Bars chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, buttery shortbread and tangy key lime filling.
These bars are a perfect treat for citrus lovers and make a great dessert for any occasion. Enjoy!
