Name: Fresh Orange Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup sugar; 3/4 cup flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 eggs; 2 tablespoons orange zest; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 4 tablespoons orange juice; 8 teaspoons orange zest; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 21 reviews

If you’re craving a zesty twist on classic dessert bars, this Fresh Orange Bars Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your day. Bursting with vibrant orange flavor, tender texture, and a sweet glaze that beautifully complements every bite, these bars are delightfully simple yet irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this recipe guarantees a refreshing citrusy treat that feels like sunshine on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Several clear glass bowls are placed on a white marbled surface, each holding a different ingredient for baking. The top left bowl contains white flour with a powdery texture. To the right of it is a small bowl filled with coarse salt. Below the salt bowl is a medium-sized bowl filled with white granulated sugar. Near the bottom right is a small bowl with softened yellow butter. At the bottom left, there is a clear bowl containing two raw eggs with bright yellow yolks and translucent whites. In the bottom center of the image, a bright orange is halved horizontally, showing its juicy inner segments. The whole layout is evenly lit and arranged for a clear view of each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh oranges, this Fresh Orange Bars Recipe comes together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating bars that are perfectly balanced in sweetness, texture, and flavor.

Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and a tender crumb to the bars.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a delicate crust.
Flour: The base that holds everything together with just the right amount of structure.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
Orange zest: Packs a burst of fresh, aromatic citrus oil that brightens the entire dessert.
Orange juice: Infuses the bars with juicy, tangy notes, both in the batter and the glaze.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Adds a smooth sweetness and creates that perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Fresh Orange Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8×8 baking dish with softened butter then line it with parchment paper for an easy release and neat presentation. This initial setup ensures your bars bake evenly and come out picture-perfect.

Step 2: Zest and Juice Your Oranges

Carefully zest two tablespoons of fresh orange peel and squeeze out two tablespoons of fresh orange juice. These vibrant ingredients are key to building that signature citrus flavor in both the bars and the glaze, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Combine the Eggs, Zest, and Juice

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. Setting this mixture aside will allow you to easily incorporate it later, ensuring the fresh orange flavor is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process creates a light texture that’s essential for tender bars, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Mix in Flour and Salt

Add the flour and salt to the creamed butter and sugar, then mix until everything is just combined. This step forms the sturdy base needed to support that juicy, flavorful top layer without turning the bars tough.

Step 6: Incorporate the Egg Mixture

Pour the egg, zest, and juice mixture into the bowl and beat on medium speed for two minutes. This thorough mixing infuses the batter with bright citrus notes and ensures a smooth, uniform texture in the final baked bars.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared dish. Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes, keeping a close eye on the edges—they should turn golden brown without overbaking. Overbaking can dry out the bars, so aim for a soft center with crisp edges for the best texture.

Step 8: Prepare the Orange Glaze

While the bars bake, whisk together powdered sugar, orange zest, and orange juice to create a smooth, tangy glaze. This sweet topping enhances the natural orange flavor and adds a glossy finish that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Step 9: Glaze and Chill

Once the bars come out of the oven, pour the freshly made glaze over them. Then, place the whole dish in the refrigerator to let the glaze set fully, ensuring each bar is perfectly coated and ready to delight your taste buds.

Step 10: Cut and Serve

After the glaze has set, cut your Fresh Orange Bars Recipe into squares and prepare to indulge in citrus bliss. These bars are perfect for a snack, dessert, or sharing with friends and family.

How to Serve Fresh Orange Bars Recipe

The image shows two wooden round plates on a white marbled surface. The plate at the top left holds three square yellow pieces of cake with a shiny glaze on top. Beside the cake pieces are two orange wedges with bright, juicy flesh. The plate at the bottom right contains three square yellow cake pieces and one piece that has been split apart, showing its soft texture inside. There is a silver fork resting diagonally across this plate, touching the split cake piece. Next to this plate are two orange halves with vibrant orange insides. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the look and flavor, sprinkle a little extra orange zest or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving. You could also add a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and refreshing contrast that complements the orange beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tangy citrus acidity. A cup of strong coffee or a floral tea also makes a lovely accompaniment, turning your treat into a full experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the bars on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh orange slices for a vibrant and inviting presentation. For parties, place them in small dessert cups layered with yogurt or mousse for an elegant individual treat that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Fresh Orange Bars Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days when stored in an airtight container. This allows the bars to maintain their fresh flavor and moist texture, ready for a quick dessert anytime.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these bars longer, freeze them in tightly wrapped portions or a sealed freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for a fresh-from-the-oven taste later on.

Reheating

To warm the bars before serving, place them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle heat revives their softness without melting the glaze entirely, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While bottled orange juice can work in a pinch, fresh orange juice and zest pack a brighter, more authentic flavor that really makes these bars stand out. For the best results, always opt for fresh.

Do I need to use all-purpose flour, or can I substitute?

All-purpose flour is ideal for the right balance of structure and tenderness in these bars. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flours may alter the texture, so if you do substitute, expect some differences.

How thick should the orange glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar; if too thick, thin with a splash of orange juice.

Can I make these bars vegan?

With some substitutions like using vegan butter and egg replacers, it’s possible to adapt this Fresh Orange Bars Recipe, although the texture and taste might shift slightly from the classic version.

What’s the best way to cut the bars for serving?

Use a sharp knife wiped clean after each cut to get neat squares without crumbly edges. Chilling the bars beforehand helps the glaze set and makes clean cutting much easier.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Orange Bars Recipe is a true gem that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. Its balance of bright citrus flavor, tender crumb, and sweet glaze will have you reaching for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the joy of these delightful bars with your loved ones.