Description
These delightful Orange Bars feature a tender shortbread crust topped with a luscious, tangy orange filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and citrusy, they’re a refreshing treat for any occasion, combining buttery richness with vibrant orange flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange Filling
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
- ⅔ cup (160ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Finishing
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
- Press and Prick the Crust: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking dish to form a firm, level surface. Gently prick the dough multiple times with a fork to avoid bubbling while baking.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Orange Filling: Whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and almond extract in a separate bowl until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour Filling Over Crust: Immediately after the crust finishes baking, pour the orange filling evenly over the warm crust. This helps the filling adhere well and prevents layer separation.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, avoiding any liquid appearance.
- Cool the Bars: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to fully set the filling.
- Slice and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the bars from the baking dish. Place on a cutting board and slice into 12 equal squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation and a touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Be sure to chill the bars thoroughly to ensure the orange filling sets properly and slices cleanly.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest provide the best flavor, but bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the orange zest.
- Use parchment paper with overhang to easily lift bars from the pan without crumbling the crust.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: orange bars, citrus dessert, shortbread crust, orange filling, baked bars, homemade dessert, easy baking recipe
