Hey there, baking buddy! If you’re in the mood for something sweet, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing, you’ve landed in the right spot. Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe for Orange Bars. These little treats are not just delicious; they’re a ray of sunshine on a plate! With a buttery crust topped with zesty orange filling, every bite is a burst of flavor that can brighten any day. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or simply want to indulge while sipping tea at home, Orange Bars are the perfect cozy treat. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Why Make This Recipe
If you’ve ever tasted a fresh orange, you know that there’s something inherently uplifting about it. The vibrant, citrusy flavor awakens your senses and brings a smile to your face. That’s exactly what these Orange Bars deliver! They’re the perfect mix of sweet and tangy, making them a versatile dessert for any occasion, be it a picnic, a potluck, or just a casual afternoon snack.
Additionally, making Orange Bars is surprisingly straightforward. With simple ingredients that you probably already have at home, you’ll whip these up in no time. Plus, there’s something truly special about bringing homemade desserts to the table. They carry a touch of warmth and love that store-bought treats often lack. So, if you’re looking for a delightful way to nurture yourself (or someone else!), this recipe is calling your name!
How to Make Orange Bars
Now that we’ve got your taste buds tingling, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these succulent Orange Bars. It’s simple, I promise! Follow along with these easy steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Use your hands or a fork to mix until it’s crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased baking dish to form a base for the bars.
- Bake the crust for about 15-20 minutes or until it turns a lovely light golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, fresh orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour this bright orange filling over the hot crust and send it back into the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are just beginning to firm up.
- Let the Orange Bars cool completely in the pan before dusting them lightly with powdered sugar and cutting into squares.
How to Serve Orange Bars
Once your Orange Bars have cooled (patience is key, my friend!), they are ready to shine! These treats are wonderful served as is, but a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch. For a bit of fun, pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful dessert experience. They also make a lovely addition to brunch tables or dessert platters alongside fresh fruit and tea.
How to Store Orange Bars
Not that you’ll have any leftovers (they’re that good!), but if you find yourself with a few extra squares, you can easily store them. Place the Orange Bars in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge where they will last about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, there’s nothing like a home-baked treat!
Tips to Make Orange Bars
- Use Fresh Oranges: For the brightest flavor, use fresh oranges to juice and zest. The difference in taste is worth it!
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: When combining your filling ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your bars a bit less sweet, feel free to reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the filling.
- Garnish Wisely: Consider adding some thinly sliced orange segments or orange zest on top for an extra pop of color and flavor before serving.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can switch things up a bit! Add a touch of lemon juice along with the orange for a citrus medley. Alternatively, you can incorporate some shredded coconut into the crust for a tropical twist. If you love chocolate, drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top after cooling for a delicious contrast. The possibilities are endless, let your creativity run wild!
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice?
While fresh orange juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar for the best taste.
Can I use a different type of citrus?
Absolutely! You can experiment with lemons, limes, or even grapefruits for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the tartness!
What if my bars are too gooey?
If your bars are undercooked and too gooey, it might be that they need more time in the oven. Feel free to bake them a little longer (checking often) until they firm up.
So, now you’re all set to create these delightful Orange Bars that will brighten up your day! Grab your ingredients and let’s make something sweet together. Happy baking! 🍊
Print
Orange Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Orange Bars with a buttery crust topped with zesty orange filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish to form a base.
- Bake the crust for about 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, fresh orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, flour, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the hot crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until set.
- Let the bars cool completely, dust with powdered sugar, and cut into squares.
Notes
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg