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Tequila Lime Margarita Bars with Shortbread Crust

A close-up of a square Margarita bars slice, featuring a bright yellow-green filling and a crumbly topping dusted heavily with powdered sugar.
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These zingy citrus bars capture the flavor of a margarita cocktail in an easy, shareable dessert format, perfect for parties.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon tequila (optional, for flavor)
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. While the crust bakes, prepare the lime filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, lime juice, eggs, sweetened condensed milk, tequila (if using), and lime zest until smooth.
  5. Pour the lime filling evenly over the warm, pre-baked shortbread crust.
  6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer liquid in the center.
  7. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This may take 1 to 2 hours.
  8. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • For a stronger margarita flavor, increase the tequila to 2 tablespoons.
  • If you skip the tequila, the bars remain a delicious, tangy citrus shortbread bar.
  • Chill the bars for at least one hour before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/margarita-bars-tequila-lime-shortbread/