KEY LIME SHORTBREAD BARS

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined and the dough starts to come together.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a fork to prick the dough all over.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
6. While the crust is baking, prepare the key lime filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, key lime juice, flour, baking powder, salt, and key lime zest until smooth.
7. Pour the filling over the hot crust and return the pan to the oven.
8. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired.
11. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
12. Cut into squares or bars and serve.

Enjoy these delicious key lime shortbread bars as a refreshing treat!