Margarita Bars
Tangy and sweet citrus dessert bars featuring a buttery crust and zesty lime filling, inspired by classic margarita flavors with an optional salted or sugared rim.
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking pan greased
- 1 mixing bowl for crust
- 1 mixing bowl for filling
- 1 wire rack for cooling
- 1 oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
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).
- Combine flour, powdered sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Stir in flour, then add lime zest, lime juice, tequila (if using), and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until filling is just set and slightly wobbly in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lime slices or zest.
- Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar or salt along the edges to mimic a margarita glass rim.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor.
- Add more tequila for a stronger boozy note.
- Adjust sugar depending on tartness of limes.
- Chill bars before slicing for clean edges.