Chewy Orange Cream Cheese Bars
Brighten up your dessert repertoire with these irresistible Chewy Orange Cream Cheese Bars, the perfect marriage of tangy citrus and creamy decadence. Featuring a buttery, golden crust and a creamy filling infused with fresh orange zest and juice, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweetness and zestiness in every bite. Ready in under an hour, this easy dessert is ideal for spring gatherings, brunches, or whenever you crave a refreshing treat. Serve chilled for optimal texture, and don’t forget the optional powdered sugar dusting for an elegant finishing touch. These bars are as visually stunning as they are delicious, making them a showstopper for any occasion. Keywords: orange cream cheese bars, citrus dessert recipe, easy dessert bars.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 0.25 cup orange juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
While the crust cools, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the orange zest, orange juice, egg, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to the cream cheese. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
Pour the orange cream cheese mixture over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the baking dish. Slice into 9 squares.
Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2784 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 135.5 g | 174% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.0 g | 380% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 573 mg | 191% | |
| Sodium | 1423 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 373.7 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 273.6 g | ||
| Protein | 34.1 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 291 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 667 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
