Key Lime Squares


I adapted this recipe from one given to me by a friend who swears that her lemon squares are the easiest and best ever. The change from lemon to lime is refreshing and interesting. Use fresh squeezed juice from key limes if you have them. A good quality bottled lime juice can be substituted.
2 1/2 cups flour
2 sticks butter, chilled and cut into small pieces, 1 cup
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
1/3 cup lime juice, about 3 medium limes
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon fresh lime zest, about 1/2 medium lime
powdered sugar

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  1. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray.
  2. Use a food processor to combine 2 cups of the flour with all of the butter, powdered sugar and coconut until the mixture forms a dough.
  3. Press the dough into the bottom of the pan using your fingertips or the back side of a fork.
  4. Bake until the edges are golden brown (about 25 minutes).
  5. Use an electric mixer to whisk together the sugar, eggs, lime juice, baking powder, lime zest and remaining 1/4 cup of flour. Blend until smooth.
  6. Pour the filling onto the crust and bake for 25 minutes more. The center should be firm and the edges just beginning to turn brown.
  7. Cool completely, cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar.
Yield: Approximately 3 dozen 1-inch bars
Preparation time about 20 minutes plus baking