Orange Bars

These delightful Orange Bars are a must-try for any citrus lover! Bursting with vibrant orange flavor, these sweet treats are perfect for parties, picnics, or simply satisfying your dessert cravings. Their creamy texture and zesty notes make them a standout dessert that will impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of freshly squeezed orange juice and zest creates an intense citrus experience that is both refreshing and satisfying.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, these Orange Bars work well at summer barbecues, birthday parties, or as a delightful afternoon snack.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The sweetness balanced with tangy citrus makes them appealing to both kids and adults.
• Perfectly Dusty: A light dusting of confectioners sugar adds a beautiful finish that enhances their presentation.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making these tasty Orange Bars, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Zester or grater

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking dish: This size ensures even cooking for your Orange Bars.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows for easy mixing of dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly combining ingredients.
• Zester or grater: Use this tool to get the most flavor from your orange zest without the bitter pith.

Ingredients

These Orange Bars are packed with orange flavor and seriously sweet!

For the Base

• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) butter, (cold)
• 1 cup (126g) confectioners sugar
• 2 cups (252g) all-purpose flour

For the 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, but zest can be strong so start with less)

For Garnish

• Confectioners sugar, (for dusting)

How to Make Orange Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your Orange Bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the cold butter, confectioners sugar, and 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Bake the Base

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, orange juice, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.

Step 6: Pour Filling Over Base

Once the base has cooled for about 10 minutes, pour the filling mixture over it evenly.

Step 7: Bake Again

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set. The edges should be slightly golden while the center remains firm.

Step 8: Cool and Dust

Allow your Orange Bars to cool completely in the baking dish before dusting them with confectioners sugar. Cut into squares and serve!

How to Serve Orange Bars

Orange Bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, these suggestions will elevate your experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serving these bars with fresh berries adds a burst of flavor and color. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries pair wonderfully with the citrus notes.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on top creates a creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy orange flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of orange zest for extra flair.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your Orange Bars on a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies and brownies. This variety will impress your guests and make for an eye-catching display.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Pairing Orange Bars with vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream takes dessert to the next level. The cold creaminess complements the zesty bars perfectly.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzling melted chocolate sauce over the bars adds richness. It creates a delicious combination of flavors that’s hard to resist.

How to Perfect Orange Bars

To achieve the best results with your Orange Bars, follow these simple tips for perfecting your dessert.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh oranges for juicing and zesting. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor significantly.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bars. Stir until just combined for a lighter texture.

• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allowing the bars to cool completely helps them set up properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares.

• Adjust Zest According to Taste: Start with less zest if you’re unsure about its strength. You can always add more after tasting.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Bars

When serving Orange Bars, consider adding some complementary side dishes to round out your meal or dessert table. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings a healthy balance to your dessert spread.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet desserts.
3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate makes for an enjoyable snack alongside sweet treats.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Offer variety with mini cupcakes in different flavors that complement the citrus theme.
5. Pistachio Crumble: A nutty crumble adds texture and an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the bright orange bars.
6. Lemon Sorbet: This light and refreshing sorbet can cleanse the palate between bites of sweet orange goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making orange bars can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Always ensure your butter is softened and eggs are at room temperature for the best results.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until combined to keep your orange bars light and fluffy.

• Ignoring the zest: Zest adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip it! Use fresh zest for a vibrant and aromatic taste that enhances your orange bars.

• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups for both liquid and dry ingredients to avoid ruining the balance of flavors.

• Skipping the dusting of confectioners sugar: This step not only adds sweetness but also enhances presentation. A light dusting gives your orange bars an appealing finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Orange Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Orange Bars

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Orange Bars?

Orange bars are delicious dessert squares made primarily with fresh orange juice and zest, giving them a sweet, citrusy flavor perfect for any occasion.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While you can use bottled juice, fresh-squeezed juice provides a brighter flavor that elevates the overall taste of your orange bars significantly.

How do I make these Orange Bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free orange bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I customize my Orange Bars?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even other citrus zests like lemon or lime for unique variations of this classic recipe.

How do I know when my Orange Bars are done baking?

Your orange bars are ready when they have set edges and a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with minimal crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Bars are not only bursting with citrus flavor but also offer versatility in customization. Whether you enjoy them as is or experiment with different add-ins, they make an ideal treat for any gathering. Try making these delightful orange bars today and discover why they’re such a beloved dessert!

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Orange Bars

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Pin Recipe

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Orange Bars, a refreshing treat that combines buttery goodness with a zesty citrus filling. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to festive gatherings. With their creamy texture and delightful sweetness balanced by tangy orange notes, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, these Orange Bars will quickly become a favorite dessert in your household.

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (226g) cold butter
• 1 cup (126g) confectioners sugar
• 2 cups (252g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (160ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix cold butter, confectioners sugar, and flour until crumbly; press into the baking dish.
4. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden; cool slightly.
5. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, flour, orange juice, and zest until well combined.
6. Pour the filling over the base and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set.
7. Cool completely before dusting with confectioners sugar and cutting into squares.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Always use fresh oranges for the best flavor. Allow bars to cool completely for easier cutting. For variations, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts.