Lime White Chocolate Macadamia Bars

Lime White Chocolate Macadamia Bars

Crust
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt

Filling
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/3 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts, lightly toasted
1/4 cup white chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with foil; coat foil with cooking spray.

To make the crust, in a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat together butter and confectioners' sugar until creamy. Reduce mixer speed to low; beat in flour and salt until pea sized lumps form - about 2 minutes. Pat dough into bottom of prepared dish. Bake 15 minutes or until light golden. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes.

To make the filling, in a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat together granulated sugar, eggs and lime zest for 3 minutes or until doubled in volume and foamy. Beat in lime juice and vanilla until combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in flour until just combined. Pour filling on top of crust. Bake 15 minutes; remove from oven and evenly sprinkle with macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips. Return to oven and bake an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown and just set.

Cool on a wire rack completely before lifting foil out of pan, slicing into bars.

Makes 12 bars