Description
Tangy and sweet orange bars with a buttery shortbread crust and a bright citrus glaze. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for a dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ice water
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 2–3 oranges)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2–3 oranges)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice (or milk, if preferred)
- ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition, until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, whisking until just combined.
- Stir in the melted butter, orange juice, and orange zest until well combined.
- Pour the orange filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice (or milk) until smooth. Add the orange zest, if using.
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars.
- Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before cutting the bars.
- Cut the cooled bars into squares or rectangles.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake the bars; the filling should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
- Add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the crust or filling for added texture.
- Substitute other citrus fruits like lemons or limes for the oranges.
- Add chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
- To make gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes