How to Make Strawberry Lime Bars
This refreshing dessert is simple and sweet. We’ve got the full, detailed directions below, but here are the basics on how to bake them.
Prep
Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper to keep your finished bars from sticking to the bottom.
Cookie Crust
Place your sugar cookies in a large resealable bag and pound them with a rolling pin until they’re evenly crumbled. Add melted butter and salt to the bag and mix until well coated, then press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until the cookie crust is golden.
Strawberry Layer
While your cookie crust bakes, puree the strawberries and lime juice in a blender until smooth. Then, whisk the puree in a large bowl with sugar, flour, eggs, and salt. Add food gel color, a few drops at a time, until you reach your preferred pink or red color.
Bake
Pour filling onto your cookie crust. Pop the pan in the oven and bake until center is set, 25 to 30 minutes. Let the bars cool to room temperature and then refrigerate them until chilled, about 2 hours.
Serve
Remove your chilled strawberry lime bars from the pan. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation, then cut, serve, and enjoy!
How to Store Strawberry Lime Bars
To keep your leftover strawberry lime bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay at their best for up to 5 days when properly sealed. The cool environment of the fridge helps preserve their flavor and texture. Avoid freezing them, as the delicate texture of the strawberry and lime filling won’t hold up well to thawing. For the freshest taste, serve your bars chilled and try to let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Food Coloring in My Strawberry Lime Bars?
Adding food coloring to the filling helps bring back the vibrant color of the strawberries that can get muted by the egg yolks. When eggs are incorporated into the curd, their natural yellow hue can dull the bright red of the strawberries. By adding a little food color, you’re restoring that gorgeous, eye-catching strawberry shade that would otherwise be lost. It doesn’t change the flavor but enhances the overall presentation, making your dessert as beautiful as it is tasty. Whether you prefer a subtle pink or a bold red, the food color ensures your curd looks as delicious as it tastes!
Can I Substitute Lemon Juice in Strawberry Lime Bars?
If you're out of lime juice or prefer a different citrus flavor, lemon juice works as a great alternative in this recipe. The bars will have a slightly different taste—lemon adds a tangy, slightly sweeter zing compared to the sharper, more tart lime flavor. It won’t drastically change the texture or structure of the bars and will still pair wonderfully with the strawberries. Just keep in mind that the citrus twist will be a bit milder, but still deliciously refreshing!
Can I Make Strawberry Lime Bars with Cookie Dough?
For a softer crust, you can press cookie dough directly into the pan instead of using pre-baked and crumbled cookies. This method creates a tender, chewy base that pairs beautifully with creamy or fruity fillings. However, if you prefer a bit of texture contrast, using crispy, baked cookies for the crust is the way to go. This adds a nice crunch that complements softer layers like custards or curds. Plus, a crumbly cookie base can provide an additional layer of flavor. For the best balance, think about how you want the crust’s texture to pair with the filling and choose accordingly!
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