Lime Bars Graham Cracker

Last summer, my kitchen smelled like limes for three days straight after I decided these bars needed to be perfect for a backyard gathering. The zesty scent hung in the air while I tested batch after batch, adjusting sugar levels and lime ratios until my family started requesting them by name. Now they are the first dessert to disappear at every party, and I have learned to always make a double batch.

I once forgot to dust these with powdered sugar before serving them at a summer barbecue. Everyone still devoured them, but my friend Sarah quietly mentioned the little snowfall of sugar makes them feel extra special. Now I keep a small sieve in my picnic basket just for that finishing touch.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: Freshly crushed give the best texture, but store-bought work perfectly fine
• Unsalted butter: Melt it completely so it coats every crumb evenly
• Granulated sugar: This sweetens both the crust and the filling
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the filling
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is non-negotiable here for that bright punch
• Lime zest: Use a microplane to get the finest grate without bitter white pith
• Whole milk: This adds richness without making the filling too heavy
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to help set the filling without making it cakey

Instructions

Prep your pan and oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting later.

Make the crust:

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt until combined and press firmly into your pan.

Bake the crust:

Bake for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant, then set aside while you make the filling.

Whisk the filling:

Beat eggs and sugar until smooth, then add flour, lime juice, zest, milk, and salt until fully combined.

Bake until set:

Pour filling over the warm crust and bake 18 to 20 minutes until the center no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.

Chill completely:

Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing into clean squares.

Pin Recipe

My daughter now requests these for her birthday instead of cake. There is something about the bright green flecks and the way the powdered sugar settles into the cracks that makes them feel festive and special, yet comfortingly familiar at the same time.

Making Ahead

These bars actually improve after a day in the fridge. The lime flavor mellows slightly and the crust firms up, making them easier to cut and transport. I have made them up to two days before serving without any loss of quality.

Serving Suggestions

A small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these into an elegant dessert plate. For summer parties, I sometimes serve them with fresh berries or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra indulgence.

Storage Secrets

Keep these bars refrigerated in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They last up to four days, though in my house they rarely make it past day two.

• Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for the cleanest squares
• Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture
• The powdered sugar will absorb into the surface over time, so dust right before serving

Pin Recipe

These lime bars have become my go-to for bringing brightness to any gathering, and I love watching peoples eyes light up at that first tangy, sweet bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve a firm graham cracker crust?

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the pan before pre-baking at 350°F for 10 minutes to ensure a solid base.

→ What makes the lime filling smooth and set properly?

Whisking eggs and sugar until smooth, then combining with lime juice, zest, flour, and milk creates a balanced filling. Baking until the center is just set ensures the perfect texture.

→ Can I adjust the tartness of the lime filling?

Yes, substituting half the lime juice with lemon juice provides a sharper tang, allowing customization of the flavor intensity.

→ What is the best way to store these bars?

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep them fresh and maintain texture.

→ Are there any recommended toppings to enhance flavor?

A light dusting of powdered sugar and extra lime zest garnish adds brightness without overpowering the bars' natural tang.