Description
Deliciously tangy and sweet Orange Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a vibrant orange custard layer. These bars are perfect for citrus lovers looking for a bright, fresh dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup cold butter
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter and confectioners sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns a golden brown color. This step ensures a firm base for the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. Stir in the flour, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until fully incorporated.
- Add Filling to Crust and Bake: Pour the orange filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners sugar and slice into 12 bars to serve.
Notes
- For best texture, use cold butter when making the crust.
- Room temperature eggs help create a smooth filling.
- You can substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
- Chill the bars before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
