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Creamy Orange Bars Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

These Creamy Orange Bars are a delightful citrus dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a smooth, tangy orange curd. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these bars are baked to a golden finish and chilled for a refreshing treat, ideal for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Crust

  • 210 g all-purpose flour
  • 50 g granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 170 g butter, room temperature

Orange Curd Filling

  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 30 g all-purpose flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ tablespoons orange zest
  • pinch of salt
  • 80 g fresh orange juice
  • 45 g fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift out the bars later.
  2. Make the Crust Dough: In a food processor, blend the softened butter, flour, orange zest, sugar, and salt until a soft dough forms. Press this crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it turns a very light golden brown color.
  4. Prepare the Orange Curd: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar to eliminate lumps. Add the eggs, fresh orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, and mix gently until combined but not frothy.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Carefully pour the orange curd mixture over the hot baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the curd layer is set and does not wobble when the pan is gently shaken. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
  6. Cool and Refrigerate: Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate the bars for at least one hour to firm up before slicing.
  7. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the chilled bars into 16 equal pieces. Dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with additional orange zest before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier blending of the crust.
  • Use fresh orange and lemon juice for the best citrus flavor.
  • Be careful not to overmix the orange curd filling to avoid excess air incorporation.
  • Chilling the bars properly is crucial for clean slicing and a firm texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American