Go Back
–+ servings
orange bars

Zesty Orange Bars: A Simple Citrus Delight at Home

These orange bars are a delightful blend of tangy and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Substitution: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar No direct substitutions recommended for sugar in this recipe.
  • 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitution: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free bars.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt No substitutions needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Optional: Use almond extract for a different flavor profile.
For the Orange Filling
  • 3 large Eggs Substitution: Flax eggs for a vegan alternative (1 flax egg = 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water).
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch No direct substitutions recommended.
  • 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice Substitution: Bottled juice can be used in a pinch but fresh is best for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Orange Zest Ensure to use fresh zest for optimal flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract Optional: Vanilla extract can be used instead if desired.
For Garnishing
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Optional: Omit if not desired.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Orange Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Combine melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and salt in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture into the prepared dish and prick with a fork. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden.
  3. Whisk together eggs, cornstarch, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and almond extract in a separate bowl until smooth.
  4. Once the crust is baked, pour the orange filling over the hot crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
  5. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 22 minutes until set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Allow the dish to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.
  7. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Fresh-squeezed orange juice is recommended for best flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!