Orange Bars

These Orange Bars are a delightful treat bursting with citrus flavor, perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a sweet addition to your dessert table, these bars will impress everyone. With their bright orange taste and light texture, they stand out among typical desserts. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they deserve a spot in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up these orange bars in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is filled with the zesty goodness of fresh oranges, delivering a refreshing and sweet experience.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, picnics, or as an afternoon snack—these bars fit any occasion seamlessly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Loved by both kids and adults, these orange bars are sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
• Perfectly Sweet: The combination of granulated sugar and confectioners sugar creates the ideal balance of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools that will help you create these delicious orange bars effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Rubber spatula
• Zester

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all your ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Whisk: This tool ensures that your eggs and sugars blend well, creating a smooth batter.
• Baking pan: A good quality baking pan ensures even cooking for perfectly baked orange bars.

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 Dusting

• Confectioners sugar

How to Make Orange Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for ensuring that your orange bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to cut the bars later.

Step 3: Make the Base

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter and confectioners sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour until combined.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan evenly.

Step 4: Create the Filling

1. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined.
2. Add in the freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest; mix thoroughly.
3. Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour until smooth.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the filling over the crust in the baking pan. Bake for about 40 minutes or until set and lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Cool and Dust

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before dusting generously with confectioners sugar.

Now you’re ready to serve up these delightful Orange Bars! Enjoy their vibrant flavor at your next gathering.

How to Serve Orange Bars

These delicious Orange Bars can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Serving them with complementary flavors or textures can elevate your dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Freshly Whipped Cream: A dollop of light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the zesty bars.

Fresh Berries

• Mixed Berries: Serve alongside strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness and color.

Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the tangy orange flavor.

Citrus Sorbet

• Orange or Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing frozen treat enhances the citrus notes while keeping things cool and light.

Mint Leaves

• Garnished with Mint: A few fresh mint leaves not only look appealing but also add a refreshing aroma to each bite.

Drizzled Sauce

• Orange Glaze: A simple orange glaze drizzled over the top can intensify the orange flavor and provide a shiny finish.

How to Perfect Orange Bars

To achieve the ultimate Orange Bars, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances flavor compared to bottled juice.
• Zest Wisely: Start with less orange zest; you can always add more if the flavor needs a boost.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps create a smoother batter.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the bars chill in the fridge makes them easier to cut and enhances their taste.
• Dust Generously: A dusting of confectioners sugar adds an elegant touch and balances sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Bars

Orange Bars are delightful on their own, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some ideas:

1. Pistachio Crumble: This crunchy topping adds texture that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the bars.
2. Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate sauce provides a decadent twist, making for an indulgent combination.
3. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats pair well with citrus flavors, creating a tropical vibe.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances out the sweetness of the bars.
5. Cheese Platter: Pairing salty cheeses like goat cheese or sharp cheddar offers a savory complement to sweet desserts.
6. Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade reinforces the citrus theme while providing a thirst-quenching option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Orange Bars can be easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the mixing process. Make sure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature for better blending.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Skipping the zest: Not adding orange zest means missing out on a burst of flavor. Use fresh zest to enhance the orange taste in your bars.
• Incorrect baking time: Underbaking or overbaking can change the texture of your Orange Bars. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick for doneness.
• Not letting them cool properly: Cutting too soon will result in messy bars. Allow your Orange Bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Orange Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Orange Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other citrus fruits for these Orange Bars?

Yes! You can substitute lemon or lime juice and zest for a different citrus flavor while keeping the same base recipe.

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

The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make these Orange Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring you follow package instructions for best results.

How can I customize my Orange Bars?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of icing on top for extra flavor. Feel free to experiment!

Final Thoughts

These Orange Bars are not only deliciously sweet but also versatile. They make an excellent dessert for gatherings or a delightful treat anytime you crave something citrusy. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite additions!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Orange Bars

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavor of these delightful Orange Bars, a perfect treat for any occasion. Bursting with fresh citrus notes, they are ideal for summer gatherings, family picnics, or simply as a sweet afternoon snack. The light and zesty filling is complemented by a buttery base, creating a refreshing dessert that will impress both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With an irresistible balance of sweetness from both granulated and confectioners’ sugar, each bite promises a sunny burst of orange goodness.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup cold butter
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Cream together cold butter and confectioners’ sugar until fluffy; gradually mix in flour and press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs with granulated sugar; add orange juice and zest, then stir in flour until smooth.
4. Pour filling over crust and bake for about 40 minutes until set and lightly golden.
5. Cool completely before dusting with confectioners' sugar.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg