These zesty and sweet lime bars are to die for. They are bursting with a tangy lime taste and pack a punch of tequila flavor.
As we get ready for Cinco de Mayo, I’ve got margaritas on my mind. I mean, what’s not to like about an iced cold refreshing boozy drink. It’s a great way to celebrate any fiesta. So I decided to make a dessert version out of one of my favorite cocktails.
This recipe starts with a pre-baked honey graham cracker crust for a crispy base. It’s topped with vibrant lime custard made with fresh lime juice and lime zest. Then to kick things up a notch, there are two ounces of tequila added for lots of flavor. The tequila is not there to play a supporting role. It’s there to play a leading role, just like the lime. So this is definitely an adult dessert.
However, you do have the option to make this a non-alcoholic dessert by replacing the tequila with more lime juice and making them straight-up lime bars.
The texture of these margarita lime bars are soft and gooey with a crumbly cookie bottom. When you first take a bite, you’ll taste the lime and sweetness from the custard. Then the earthy and bitter notes from the tequila come through. There is a soft herbal and sweet black licorice aroma from the tequila that lingers on your palate. After a couple of bites you’ll feel like you drank a margarita.
Margarita Lime Bars
These zesty and sweet lime bars are to die for. They are bursting with a tangy lime taste and pack a punch of tequila flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16
- Category: dessert
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1&1/2 cups (175g) honey graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp (90ml) melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1&1/2 cups (300g) sugar
- zest of 1 large lime
- 1/4 cup (63ml) lime juice (about 1 large lime)
- 1/4 cup (63ml) tequila (or another 1/4 cup of lime juice)
- 1/2 cup 63g) all-purpose flour
- powdered sugar for dusting if making non-alcoholic version
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter and line a 9×9″ baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Press onto the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, zest, lime juice and tequila.
- Slowly add in the flour while whisking quickly to prevent lumps.
- Pour over hot crust and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the center is set.
- Let cool to room temperature and chill in the fridge for 2 hours. Dust with powdered sugar if needed. Slice and serve.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keywords: lime bar recipe, margarita dessert bars, tequila and lime bars
I’ll be sharing this at Fiesta Friday #168 hosted by Angie, and co-hosted by [email protected] and [email protected]
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So full of flavour! Love them!
★★★★★
Thank you. I’m glad you love them!
This looks so good! I am definitely going to try this.
★★★★★
Thanks and nice to meet you:)
Of course I have limes and tequila in my Baja Kitchen at all times and these will be made. Thank you, Tracey
You’re welcome and thank you for stopping by:)
This is my kind of dessert, wonderfully grown up! Recipe saved and I will absolutely be making these! brilliant and so much fun! Happy FF 🙂
You too and thanks for co-hosting!
I am a little confused do you butter the pan first and then put the parchment paper or parchment paper gets b uttered. Than you,
Ms, Ella
Hi Ms Ella,
I butter the pan first then line it with parchment paper. I use the butter like a glue to help the paper stick to the pan. Enjoy and let me know if you have any further questions:)
These look INCREDIBLE. I’m making Key lime bars today- believe it or not… but for kids. I’ll have to make yours this summer for sure.
Thanks Josette! Great minds think alike:)