Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Margarita Bars?
These delicious treats capture the vibrant flavors of a classic margarita in a sweet, tangy dessert that’s perfect for any festive occasion.
Imagine a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a luscious lime and orange filling, and just a hint of tequila.
The result?
A delightful, easy-to-make dessert that will impress your friends and family.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making these Margarita Bars step by step.
You’ll find that the recipe is straightforward and the results are absolutely worth the effort.
Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or simply craving a citrusy treat, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp lime zest (optional)
For the Filling:
- 2 tsp lime zest
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1/2 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2-3 tbsp tequila
- 2 tbsp orange liqueur
- Pinch of salt
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- Flaky salt, for finishing
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚F.
Line an 8×8” or 9×9” pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the sides of the pan for easy removal of the bars later.
This will help ensure that your bars come out of the pan without sticking.
2. Make the Crust
Combine the salted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a stand mixer or a bowl if you’re using an electric mixer.
Mix these ingredients together until they form a crumbly mixture.
This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing just until combined.
If you’re using lime zest, add it here for an extra citrusy touch.
Transfer this crumbly mixture into your prepared baking pan.
Press it down evenly across the bottom of the pan using your fingers or the back of a spoon.
Dock the dough all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20-22 minutes, or until it is lightly browned around the edges.
While the crust is baking, you can start on the filling.
3. Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lime zest, orange zest, lime juice, and orange juice. In a separate bowl, whisk the salt, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Then, add the juice and zest mixture to this bowl and whisk until everything is well combined.
It’s important to prepare this filling no more than 10 minutes before the crust comes out of the oven. This ensures that the filling remains fresh and mixes well.
4. Bake the Bars
Once the crust has finished baking, pour the filling mixture over the hot crust, spreading it out evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes.
You want the filling to be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Cool and Chill
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for about 1-2 hours. This will help the filling set properly and make it easier to slice into bars.
6. Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the bars with flaky salt for an extra touch of flavor.
Cut into squares and enjoy!
These Margarita Bars can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Margarita Bars
- Tequila Amount: If you opt for the higher amount of tequila (3 tbsp), the bars might not set as firmly. In this case, you can place them in the freezer for a few minutes to help them set more firmly.
- Chilling: Proper chilling is crucial for achieving the right texture. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
- Presentation: For a festive touch, garnish with lime zest or a slice of lime on top of each bar before serving.
Margarita Bars are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cocktail in a sweet, dessert form.
With their buttery crust and tangy filling, they’re perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any celebration where you want to add a little extra zest.
So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a treat that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Cheers to a sweet celebration!