Description
Delight in these zesty Orange Bars featuring a buttery crust topped with a bright and tangy orange filling. This easy bake dessert combines a crisp base with a luscious citrus layer, perfect for a refreshing treat or a sweet snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) butter, cold
- 1 cup (126g) confectioners sugar
- 2 cups (252g) all-purpose flour
Filling
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup (160ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest (up to 1 tablespoon, start with less if desired)
For Dusting
- Confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed cold butter, confectioners sugar, and all-purpose flour. Use a pastry cutter, food processor, or your hands to blend the mixture until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
- Make Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs in a large bowl until smooth. Add granulated sugar, flour, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk thoroughly until there are no lumps.
- Add Filling: Once the crust is baked, pour the prepared orange filling evenly over the warm crust.
- Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes uncovered, allowing the filling to set.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the bars.
- Dust and Serve: Before serving, dust the bars generously with confectioners sugar. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust orange zest according to your taste preference for intensity.
- Chilling the bars helps the filling to firm up properly for clean cuts.
- Parchment paper makes removal and cleanup easier.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
