Margarita Bars

5.0
(3)

These margarita bars are perfectly sweet, and oh, so creamy. The filling is like a cross between Key lime pie and a lemon bar, with a hint of tequila.

Margarita Bars garnished with lime zest and lime slices on a green plate
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Chill Time:
3 hrs
Total Time:
3 hrs 55 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
16 2x2-inch bars
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings

  • cooking spray

  • 1 3/4 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/3 cup white sugar

  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

  • 10 large egg yolks

  • 2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk

  • 4 teaspoons grated lime zest, plus more zest for garnish

  • 3/4 cup fresh lime juice

  • 1/4 cup blanco tequila

  • 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier®, Triple Sec®, or Cointreau®)

  • flaky sea salt

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Margarita Bar ingredients on a counter

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Lightly coat with cooking spray; set aside.

  3. Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a bowl until fully combined and resembles wet sand. Transfer to prepared baking pan, and firmly press into an even layer on bottom of pan.

    Margarita Bar crust in an aluminum foil lined baking pan

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Bake in the preheated oven until just golden brown and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

    Margarita Bar crust in an aluminum foil lined baking pan

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Whisk together yolks, condensed milk, lime zest and juice, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until smooth. Add tequila and orange liqueur, and whisk until fully combined, about 30 seconds. Pour over slightly cooled crust.

    Margarita Bar filling poured into an aluminum foil lined baking pan

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Bake in the preheated oven until edges are set and center has a slight jiggle, 25 to 28 minutes.

  7. Remove from oven; let cool to room temperature in pan on wire rack, about 1 hour. Place in freezer, uncovered, until chilled and set, at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.

    Margarita Bar filling in an aluminum foil lined baking pan

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Using excess foil as handles, remove bars from pan, transfer to a cutting board; cut evenly into 16 bars, trimming edges, as desired. Garnish with flaky sea salt and additional lime zest. Serve.

    Margarita Bars garnished with lime zest on a platter

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

382 Calories
16g Fat
49g Carbs
10g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 382
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 8g 42%
Cholesterol 166mg 55%
Sodium 268mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 49g 18%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 43g
Protein 10g 20%
Vitamin C 4mg 5%
Calcium 220mg 17%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 318mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.