Key Lime Bars

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For key lime topping:
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup plus two tablespoons key lime juice
• 2 teaspoons grated key lime zest

Directions

1. Set the oven for 350 degrees F, then grease a baking pan measuring 9 by 13 inch. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until the mixture looks pale and airy, about 2 minutes. Add the salt and flour, and continue beating until everything comes together, about 1 minute. The dough should be a bit sticky. Dust your hands with flour, then pat the dough into an even layer over the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust until you see the first hints of golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cool the crust to room temperature.
2. For the topping, beat the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until they are fully blended, about 2 minutes. Mix in the flour until it is distributed throughout, then add the lime juice and zest. Pour the topping onto the cooled crust.
3. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the key lime layer has set, about 25 minutes. It will firm up a bit more while it cools. Wait until the bars are completely cool before slicing them into squares.