Orange Bars Recipe

Introduction

These bright and tangy Orange Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweet and citrus flavors. With a buttery crust and a luscious orange filling, they make a refreshing dessert or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
• 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 2.5 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, and softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly while making the filling.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 cups sugar until well combined. Gradually add 0.5 cup flour and whisk until smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir in fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Pour this filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
6. Step 6: Bake for another 30-35 minutes, until the filling is set and lightly golden. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center—it should come out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra citrus brightness, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the filling mixture.
• Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving for an elegant finish.
• Use blood oranges or tangerines instead of regular oranges for a unique twist.

Storage

Store the orange bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave to enjoy a freshly baked feel, or serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice provides the best flavor and brightness, but pure bottled orange juice can be used as a substitute if fresh isn’t available.

How do I know when the filling is fully baked?

The filling should be set and slightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean without wet batter, indicating it’s done.

Orange Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 94 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 50-65 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

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Description

These delicious Orange Bars feature a buttery crust topped with a tangy and sweet orange-flavored filling. Perfect for citrus lovers, this dessert combines fresh orange juice and zest with a tender, golden crust, resulting in a bright and refreshing treat that is ideal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prepare it for the crust mixture.
2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the 2.5 cups of flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust base.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 2 cups granulated sugar until fully combined. Gradually whisk in 0.5 cup flour until the mixture is smooth without lumps.
5. Add Flavorings: Stir in 0.5 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons of orange zest, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the egg mixture until everything is well incorporated.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the orange filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust in the baking pan. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling has set and has turned lightly golden. Use a toothpick inserted near the center to check doneness—it should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the orange bars cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares for serving.

Notes

• Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
• Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing of the crust ingredients.
• Allow the bars to cool thoroughly to ensure clean, even slices.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: orange bars, citrus dessert, baked orange bars, orange zest bars, orange juice dessert, citrus bars, easy dessert recipe