Bright, tangy, and utterly irresistible, these Orange Dessert Bars are a citrus lover's dream! Featuring a buttery shortbread crust that bakes to golden perfection, this easy recipe is elevated by a luscious orange filling made with fresh orange juice and vibrant zest. The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a zesty dessert thatβs both refreshing and indulgent. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep time, these bars are perfect for summer gatherings, brunch spreads, or an afternoon treat. Dust them with powdered sugar for a beautifully finished look, and enjoy them as a crowd-pleasing dessert thatβs as gorgeous as it is delicious. Whether you're looking for recipes with fresh citrus or classic baked goods, these Orange Dessert Bars are a must-try!
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour and 0.5 cups of granulated sugar (for the crust). Pour in 0.75 cups of melted unsalted butter and stir until a dough forms.
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to smooth it out.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
While the crust cools, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar (for the filling) until smooth.
Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (for the filling), 0.5 cups of fresh orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
Pour the orange filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
Dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar, if desired, before slicing into 12 equal pieces.
Serve and enjoy your zesty Orange Dessert Bars!
Calories |
3432 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.9 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 96.1 g | 480% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 946 mg | 315% | |
| Sodium | 229 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 465.4 g | 169% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.2 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 311.6 g | ||
| Protein | 41.8 g | 84% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 172 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 716 mg | 15% | |
*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.