Margarita Bars Recipe

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Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 16 servings. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• Cooking spray
• 1 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs
• cup unsalted butter, melted
• cup white sugar
• teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 10 large egg yolks
• 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 4 teaspoons grated lime zest, plus more for garnish
• cup fresh lime juice
• cup blanco tequila
• 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350F (175C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray and set the pan aside.
2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and teaspoon of salt. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared baking pan and press it firmly into an even layer on the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and fragrant. Remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lime zest, lime juice, and the remaining teaspoon of salt until smooth. Add the tequila and orange liqueur, then whisk for another 30 seconds until fully combined.
5. Assemble the bars: Pour the lime filling over the slightly cooled crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
6. Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool to room temperature on a wire rack, about 1 hour. Once cooled, place the pan in the freezer, uncovered, for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours to chill and set.
7. Cut the bars: Once chilled, use the foil overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer them to a cutting board and cut them evenly into 16 bars. Trim the edges if desired.
8. Garnish and serve: Garnish each bar with flaky sea salt and additional lime zest for extra flavor. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 382
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 268mg
• Cholesterol: 166mg
• Calcium: 220mg
• Iron: 1mg
• Potassium: 318mg

Margarita Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the zesty flavors of lime and the smoothness of tequila, making them a fun and indulgent treat. These bars are a unique fusion of two beloved elementscocktail culture and classic desserts. This recipe features a graham cracker crust, a creamy filling made with egg yolks, condensed milk, lime juice, and a hint of tequila, topped off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The result is a tangy, rich, and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a summer gathering or any festive occasion.

History and Origins

The Margarita Bars take inspiration from the iconic Margarita cocktail, a drink that originated in Mexico in the 1930s. While the exact story of the Margarita's creation remains a topic of debate, many believe it was first mixed by bartender Carlos Danny Herrera at his restaurant in Tijuana. He allegedly crafted the drink for a customer named Margarita, who was allergic to many spirits but could tolerate tequila. The drinks popularity spread quickly, and it became a staple in bars worldwide. As the Margarita's fame grew, innovative chefs began experimenting with its flavors in different culinary forms, leading to the creation of Margarita Bars as a dessert.

Regional Features

Though Margarita Bars are a modern American dessert, they are heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine, especially the use of lime and tequila. Limes are a central ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and tequila is often featured in the countrys traditional drinks. This dessert, therefore, can be seen as a sweet tribute to Mexican culinary traditions, blending them with American dessert culture. In the U.S., these bars are especially popular in the southwestern states, where the flavors of lime and tequila are beloved and widely used in both drinks and food.

How Margarita Bars Differ From Similar Dishes

While Margarita Bars might remind some of classic lime-based desserts like Key lime pie or lemon bars, they stand apart due to their addition of alcoholspecifically tequila and orange liqueur. The tequila adds a subtle complexity to the bars, providing an adult twist that is not found in traditional lime desserts. Additionally, the graham cracker crust gives a nod to the Margaritas salted rim, completing the flavor profile in a way that is both nostalgic and creative. Unlike lemon bars or Key lime pie, which are typically more custardy, Margarita Bars have a lighter, more refreshing texture, thanks to the use of condensed milk and egg yolks.

Where Margarita Bars Are Typically Served

Margarita Bars are perfect for any occasion where you want to add a festive touch to the dessert table. They are particularly popular at summer parties, barbecues, and celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, where the flavors of lime and tequila are a natural fit. These bars can also be a fun addition to holiday gatherings, where their vibrant citrus flavor provides a refreshing contrast to heavier, traditional holiday desserts. Whether served as a quirky twist on classic lime desserts or as a unique alternative to more traditional bar-style desserts, Margarita Bars are sure to impress guests with their bold, yet balanced, flavors.

Interesting Facts About Margarita Bars

• The use of tequila in desserts is relatively uncommon, but it has gained popularity in recent years, with Margarita Bars being one of the most creative examples.
• Some variations of Margarita Bars call for the addition of different flavored liqueurs, such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, to intensify the orange note found in a classic Margarita cocktail.
• While they are typically served cold, Margarita Bars can also be made in mini portions and served in individual Margarita glasses, garnished with lime slices or salted rims for a playful presentation.
• The tartness of the lime combined with the slight bitterness of tequila makes these bars a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, which appeals to a wide range of palates.
• Despite the presence of alcohol in the recipe, Margarita Bars are safe for most to enjoy as the alcohol is largely baked off during the cooking process.

FAQ about Margarita Bars Recipe

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