Description
These Orange Bars feature a buttery, tender crust topped with a bright and tangy orange filling, making a delightful citrus dessert perfect for any occasion. With a crisp base and a soft, slightly jiggly orange layer, these bars are easy to prepare and full of fresh orange flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup cold butter
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and mix until well combined. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it turns a golden brown color. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until fully incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the orange filling over the baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, dust with confectioners sugar and slice into squares to serve.
Notes
- Ensure butter is cold when creaming for a tender crust.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake the filling; it should be slightly jiggly when done.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to maintain structure.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
