Description
These delightful Orange Bars feature a buttery, tender crust topped with a zesty and tangy orange custard-like filling. Perfectly sweetened and bursting with fresh orange flavor, they make a refreshing dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup butter (cold)
- 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
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 ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter and confectioners sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown color. This will create a sturdy, flavorful base for the bars.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. Add the flour, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest, stirring gently until everything is well combined to form a smooth filling.
- Pour Filling and Bake Again: Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the prepared orange filling evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, indicating a custard-like texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the orange bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top with additional confectioners sugar. Slice into bars and serve to enjoy this zesty, buttery treat!
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor; bottled juice won’t provide the same brightness.
- Cold butter is essential in the crust to achieve a flaky, tender texture.
- Don’t overbake the filling; it should be slightly jiggly when done to ensure a creamy consistency.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars before cutting.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the refrigerator.
