Description
Delight in the bright, tangy flavors of homemade Orange Dream Bars, featuring a buttery crust topped with a smooth, luscious orange-infused filling. These bars combine the citrusy zest and fresh juice of oranges with a creamy, sweet custard-like center, baked to perfection for a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (119ml) fresh squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 ½ cups (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (31g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 4 large eggs
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy using a hand or stand mixer. Gradually add the flour, granulated sugar, and salt, beating until a dough forms. This may take longer if using a hand mixer. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18 minutes until set and slightly golden.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, orange extract, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and eggs in a blender. Blend until smooth, which may take from a few seconds to about a minute depending on your blender. Alternatively, whisk these ingredients vigorously in a large bowl until fully combined.
- Bake the filling: Remove the crust from the oven and carefully pour the orange filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-23 minutes until the filling is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. Lift the bars out using the foil or parchment, slice into 24 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the filling is fully blended for a smooth texture; uneven mixing can cause lumps or uneven baking.
- Use fresh oranges for juice and zest to maximize flavor; bottled juice won’t provide the same bright taste.
- The crust may be baked slightly longer if not golden enough, but avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars before cutting.
- Optional: add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 41 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
