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Margarita Lime Cake Bars

Zesty lime bars with a soft cake base, creamy glaze, and a hint of tequila for a margarita-inspired dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Summer
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Layer
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tbsp lime zest freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • 1 tbsp tequila optional
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
Creamy Lime Glaze
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lime juice fresh
  • 0.5 tbsp orange liqueur or tequila optional
  • 1 pinch salt
Decoration
  • powdered sugar for dusting
  • lime zest for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs, lime zest, juice, tequila, and vanilla.
  4. Mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Spread into pan.
  5. Bake for 22–26 minutes until golden at edges. Cool completely.
  6. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lime juice, and liqueur until smooth.
  7. Spread glaze over cooled cake, garnish with zest, and chill before slicing.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, replace tequila with milk or orange juice.