Orange Bars
The ultimate citrus dessert you've been craving! These Orange Bars are effortlessly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust and zesty filling, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will make everyone ask for seconds!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Blender
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
- Zest of 1 Orange
- 1 teaspoon Orange Extract
- 1½ cups Granulated Sugar
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- 4 large Eggs
- Powdered Sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the crust. While it’s heating, line a 9×13” baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter until creamy. Use a hand or stand mixer for this; if you’re using a hand mixer, be prepared for a bit of a workout. The butter should be light and fluffy before you proceed.
- Add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt to the butter. Continue beating until a soft dough forms. You want everything well combined, so take your time here.
- Once the dough is ready, press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even crust. It should cover the entire base without any gaps. Bake this crust for 18 minutes until it’s golden and set.
- While the crust is baking, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a blender, combine the fresh squeezed orange juice, zest of 1 orange, orange extract, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and large eggs.
- Blend the filling ingredients until smooth. Depending on your blender, this may take only a few seconds up to a minute. Ensure there are no lumps, as a silky texture is what we’re after.
- When the crust is done, carefully pour the filling over it, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 23 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is no longer jiggly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for the bars to set properly.
- After they have cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. Then, slice them into bars. The presentation will impress everyone!
Notes
Don’t strain the fresh squeezed juice; the pulp adds flavor and texture to the filling. Be sure to use at least 1 tablespoon of zest for maximum flavor. Ensure your crust is compacted firmly to avoid leakage during baking.