Description
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If there’s one treat that can brighten up a bustling day, it’s definitely Orange Bars. These delightful squares combine a buttery crust with a zesty orange filling that feels like a tiny piece of sunshine on your plate. I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I need something quick to whip up or when I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, these bars are not just a dessert; they are an experience wrapped in citrus delight. You’re going to love them!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 2/3 cup (160ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a firm and level surface. Use a fork to gently prick the dough in several places to prevent bubbling.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, orange zest, and almond extract in a separate mixing bowl. Ensure the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Once the crust has finished baking, immediately pour the prepared orange filling over the warm crust.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Once fully chilled, carefully lift the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 12 squares.
- If desired, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is fully cooked before adding the filling.
- Chilling the bars helps to fully set the filling.
- Use a sharp knife to get clean cuts when slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg