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Orange Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 5 reviews

Delightfully tangy and sweet Orange Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust topped with a luscious orange-infused custard filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh orange zest and juice, these bars are baked to golden perfection and chilled for the best flavor and texture. Ideal as a refreshing dessert or snack that highlights vibrant citrus notes.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (stir, spoon, & level)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, cold, cut into 8 pieces)

Filling

  • 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (stir, spoon, & level)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 Tbsp orange zest (no white pith, about 2 oranges)
  • ⅔ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • Orange food coloring (optional, a drop or two)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 11×7-inch baking dish with parchment paper that overhangs about 2 inches on both sides for easy removal.
  2. Make the Crust: In a food processor or stand mixer, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and cold butter pieces. Pulse or mix until the mixture looks like fine crumbs that start to clump together. Evenly spread this crumbly mixture in the prepared baking dish, pressing firmly to create an even layer. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
  3. Prepare the Filling: As the crust nears completion, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the freshly grated orange zest, fresh orange juice, and, if using, a drop or two of orange food coloring to enhance the color.
  4. Bake the Filling: Pour the orange filling over the hot crust immediately after it comes out of the oven. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the filling is set with no jiggle and the edges develop a light brown color.
  5. Cool and Chill: Allow the orange bars to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and intensify.
  6. Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan easily. Trim the edges if desired, then cut into squares. Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

Notes

  • For best orange flavor, use fresh orange zest and juice from ripe oranges.
  • Chilling the bars overnight enhances flavor and improves setting of the filling.
  • If you want a more vibrant color, add a small amount of orange food coloring.
  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges when cutting bars.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/orange-bars-recipe/