KEY LIME SHORTBREAD BARS

Ingredients:

For the shortbread crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered erythritol or a sugar substitute suitable for baking
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• A pinch of salt

For the key lime filling:

• 1/2 cup fresh key lime juice (from approximately 10-12 key limes)
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest (from key limes or regular limes)
• 1/2 cup powdered erythritol or a sugar substitute suitable for baking
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt

For garnish (optional):

• Whipped cream (use light or sugar-free for lower SmartPoints)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered erythritol, cubed cold butter, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the shortbread mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the key lime filling.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the key lime juice, key lime zest, powdered erythritol, eggs, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
5. Pour the key lime filling over the cooled shortbread crust.
6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
7. Let the bars cool in the pan for a while, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and set completely.
8. Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars.
9. Optionally, top each square with a dollop of whipped cream.
10. Serve and enjoy your Key Lime Shortbread Bars!

Please keep in mind that the SmartPoints value for these bars will depend on the specific brands and types of sugar substitutes you use. Adjust the quantities and types of ingredients to meet your Weight Watchers SmartPoints goals.