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Margarita Bars

These Margarita Bars combine tart lime, sweetened condensed milk, and a whisper of tequila for a dessert that is celebratory and comforting, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Swap half for whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier note.
  • 0.5 cups 1/2 cup powdered sugar Plus extra for dusting.
  • 0.5 teaspoons 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 0.75 cups 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes For richer flavor use cultured butter.
For the filling
  • 1 can 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 large 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 0.5 cups 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
  • Zest of 3 Zest of 3 limes Reserve a pinch for garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons good-quality tequila Optional — omit for a family-friendly version.
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • to taste Coarse sparkling sugar or flaky sea salt for finishing Optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges. Remove from oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.
Filling
  1. In a bowl combine the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, fresh lime juice, lime zest, tequila, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  2. Pour the filling over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for 12–14 minutes more, or until the filling is set but still has a gentle jiggle in the center.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack until room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
  2. Before serving dust with powdered sugar, garnish with a little extra lime zest, and sprinkle lightly with coarse sparkling sugar or flaky sea salt.

Notes

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Best served chilled. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor.