How to Make Orange Bars at Home?

Introduction

Are you craving something sweet and a little tangy? Orange bars are just what you need!  These bars are a delicious and refreshing treat that combines the tangy citrus orange with a sweet crust

The orange bars recipe is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or simply want to satisfy your sweet cravings! Below is a simple recipe for making delicious orange bars at home. We are sure it is going to be listed in your favourites.  

What is an Orange Bar?

Orange bars are a delicious citrus dessert with a balance of sweet and tangy flavours. They feature a smooth, orange-infused filling atop a buttery, crumbly crust, offering a refreshing burst of citrus in every bite. These orange squares can be enjoyed as a light snack or a delightful dessert. The vibrant orange flavour makes it especially perfect for summer gatherings or festive holiday seasons.

Recipe for Orange Bars

What are the ingredients needed?

For the Crust: 

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup powdered sugar 

• 1 cup cold unsalted butter

• ¼ teaspoon salt 

For the Filling:

• 4 large eggs 

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon orange zest (freshly grated) 

• ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting) 

The above ingredients quantity serves 8-10 people.

Steps-by-Step process to prepare the Orange Bars

• Step 1 - To make the crust mixture: In a food processor add cold unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Blend until the mixture forms a coarse texture. 
   

• Step 2 - Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter. Make a thin layer of the crust mixture in the pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden. Set it aside to cool. 
   

• Step - Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth. Pour the filling over the baked crust that was set aside to cool. 
   

• Step 4 - Bake the Bars: Bake the orange batter for 25-30 minutes, until the filling changes colour to slightly golden on top. 
   

• Step 5 – Set it to cool: Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. 

• Step 6 – Garnish and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar (optional), cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious orange bars! 

Tips to make perfect Orange Bars for you

Are you ready to make orange bars just like the store-bought ones? With these simple tips, you can create a perfectly balanced orange bar with a smooth filling and a tender crust.

• Use fresh orange juice and zest as it enhances the flavour. Be sure to zest only the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith. 
   

• You can customise the recipe with your favourite ingredients. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or lemon zest to enhance the citrus flavour. 
   

• You can also add different toppings or mix-ins to make the recipe unique. Some popular additions include desiccated coconut, seed and nuts.  

• The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the centre. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. 
   

• Allow the bars to cool in the pan to set the filling. For firmer bars, refrigerate for an hour after cooling to room temperature. 
   

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months and defrost before serving for the best flavour and texture. 
  

Conclusion

Making orange bars recipe at home is a fun and easy way to enjoy a homemade citrus dessert. Get creative and experiment with different flavour combinations to find your favourite variation of this delicious treat.  

If you're short on time for juicing oranges, don't worry! You can use B Natural Juices readily available orange beverage to save time without sacrificing flavour. Enjoy the convenience of creating a delightful treat that's sure to impress your guests. Whether you snack on them or savour them as a dessert, orange bars are a must-try!

FAQs

 1. How should I store orange bars, and how long do they last?

Keep your orange bars fresh by storing them in airtight containers. If you plan to consume them within a day or two you may leave the container out at room temperature. However, if you need them to last for longer, wrap them individually with parchment paper and freeze them in a freezer-safe container. These can last up to about 3 months if stored well. 

2. Can I substitute other citrus fruits for the orange in orange bars? 

Of course! This orange bars recipe is as versatile as they come. You may choose amongst a variety of citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, or even grapefruits to impart that signature citrusy taste to your dessert.