Description
These delightful Orange Bars feature a buttery, tender crust topped with a soft, tangy orange-infused filling, offering a perfect balance of sweet and citrus flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, they make a refreshing dessert or snack.
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 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.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter and confectioners sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. This provides a sturdy base for the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly frothy. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until everything is well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the filling mixture evenly 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, indicating a perfect custard-like texture.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners sugar and slice into 12 bars for serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to achieve a smoother filling texture.
- Ensure the butter is cold when making the crust for a flaky base.
- Do not overbake the filling; it should remain slightly jiggly to maintain tenderness.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor, but store-bought can be used if necessary.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
