Description

Deliciously tangy and sweet Orange Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a vibrant orange custard-like filling. These bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart with fresh orange juice and zest providing a burst of citrus flavor. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack, they deliver a sunny, uplifting treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Orange Filling

4 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prepare it for the crust.
Make the Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Add Orange Elements: Stir in fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract into the filling mixture. Mix well to combine all flavors thoroughly.
Assemble & Bake: Pour the orange filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust in the baking pan. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and lightly golden on top. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out clean.
Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the orange bars cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential before slicing for clean cuts and proper set texture.
Slice & Serve: Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or desired shapes and serve at room temperature to enjoy their tender crust and luscious filling.

Notes

Use softened butter for the crust for best texture, avoid melted butter.
Only zest the colored part of the orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest greatly enhance the flavor compared to bottled juice.
For thicker bars, use an 8×8 inch pan instead of 9×13 inch.
Do not overmix the crust batter to keep the bars tender, mix until just combined.
The bars can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container or refrigerated up to one week.
To freeze, cut into portions before glazing, wrap tightly, and thaw overnight before glazing and serving.
Optional glaze or powdered sugar dusting enhances sweetness and presentation.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Orange Bars, orange dessert, citrus bars, baked orange bars, breakfast bars, orange glaze, custard bars