Name: Orange Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-493905H39M11S
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cold butter; 1 cup confectioners sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Description

Delightfully tangy and sweet, these Orange Bars feature a buttery crust topped with a luscious orange-flavored filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh orange juice and zest, this easy-to-make dessert is baked to golden perfection and dusted with confectioners sugar for an elegant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 cup cold butter
1 cup confectioners sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

4 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the cold butter and confectioners sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until combined. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This ensures a firm base for the bars.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest, mixing until fully combined to create a fragrant filling.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the orange filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center for the perfect texture.
Cool and Finish: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners sugar. Slice into 12 pieces and serve.

Notes

Ensure butter is cold for a flaky crust texture.
Room temperature eggs help create a smooth filling.
Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
Allow bars to cool completely to set properly before slicing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.