Simple Orange Citrus Bars
Brighten up your dessert table with these Simple Orange Citrus Bars, a perfect balance of zesty citrus flavor and buttery sweetness. Featuring a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust topped with a vibrant orange filling made from fresh orange juice and grated zest, these bars are a refreshing twist on a classic treat. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a few pantry staples, this recipe is both quick and easy, ideal for busy bakers or last-minute gatherings. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, these citrusy squares are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Whether you're hosting a summer brunch or craving a light dessert, these orange bars are sure to satisfy. Perfectly portable and bursting with citrus sunshine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crust)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 0.33 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (finely grated)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the butter mixture and stir until combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
While the crust cools, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 large eggs until smooth and frothy.
Add 1/3 cup of fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the sugar-egg mixture. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
Pour the filling mixture 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 slightly golden on top.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board.
Dust the top of the bars generously with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Cut into 9 squares or desired sizes before serving.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2573 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 107.7 g | 138% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.0 g | 320% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 630 mg | 210% | |
| Sodium | 159 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 383.9 g | 140% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 272.2 g | ||
| Protein | 28.3 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 113 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 451 mg | 10% | |
*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.
