Description
These delightful Orange Bars offer a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, featuring a buttery crust topped with a luscious orange-infused filling. Baked to golden perfection and dusted with confectioners sugar, this treat is ideal for gatherings or a refreshing dessert any time of year.
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
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Topping
- Confectioners sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter and confectioners sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until combined. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. This ensures a firm base for the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In another bowl, whisk the four large room-temperature eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. Stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the orange zest until everything is well incorporated.
- Bake with filling: Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center for the perfect texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, dust the top generously with confectioners sugar. Slice into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure butter is cold when making the crust for a flaky texture.
- Room temperature eggs mix better and add to a smoother filling.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best flavor intensity.
- Do not overbake the filling; it should remain slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven.
- Allow bars to cool fully before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
