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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
