Orange Bars are a delightful citrus twist on classic lemon bars, offering a burst of tangy flavor and sunshine in every bite. These vibrant and refreshing bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious orange filling, making them the perfect treat for any occasion, from brunches to potlucks. If you love the bright flavor of oranges, you’ll fall in love with these zesty bars.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Orange Bars are a refreshing change from traditional lemon bars, offering a unique and vibrant flavor that’s sure to brighten your day. With their buttery crust and tangy orange filling, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be whipped up in no time for a delicious treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• 8×8-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Zester or microplane
• Citrus juicer

Directions

Making the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a crumbly dough.
3. Press into Pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

Making the Filling

1. Prepare the Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, flour, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.

Assembling and Baking

1. Pour Filling Over Crust: Once the crust is baked, pour the orange filling over the warm crust, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
2. Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
3. Cool: Remove the Orange Bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish.
4. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Dust with powdered sugar, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes and Tips

• Fresh vs. Bottled Orange Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice rather than bottled juice. The zest of the oranges adds extra flavor and freshness to the filling.
• Storage: Store any leftover Orange Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
• Variations: Feel free to customize these bars by adding a splash of vanilla extract to the filling or incorporating other citrus fruits such as lemon or lime for a citrus medley.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought orange juice instead of fresh orange juice?

While fresh orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, you can use store-bought orange juice if that’s all you have on hand. Just be sure to choose a quality brand with no added sugar or artificial flavors.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Orange Bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to dust them with powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh and elegant presentation.

Can I freeze leftover bars?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Orange Bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Pairings

Orange Bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For added indulgence, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Call to Action

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