Margarita Bars
Tangy and sweet margarita bars featuring a buttery crust, zesty lime filling, and optional salted or sugared rim for a refreshing citrus dessert experience.
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking pan greased
- 1 mixing bowl for crust
- 1 mixing bowl for filling
- 1 whisk for mixing filling
- 1 wire rack for cooling bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- pinch of salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- zest of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice about 4–5 limes
- 1 tablespoon tequila optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- extra powdered sugar for dusting
- lime slices or zest for garnish
- coarse sugar or salt for optional rim
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the flour until fully blended.
- Add lime zest, lime juice, tequila (if using), and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the filling is just set and slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dust bars with powdered sugar and garnish with lime slices or zest.
- Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar or salt along the edges to create a margarita glass rim effect.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for best citrus flavor.
- Add extra tequila for a boozy twist if desired.
- Adjust sugar based on tartness of limes.
- Chill bars before slicing for clean edges.