How to Make Tangy Orange Bars, The Perfect Easy Dessert

There is something about citrus desserts. Maybe it’s how the sour punch of the citrus mixes with the sweet of the sugar, to make a perfect balance, of sweet and sour. Combine the sweet and sour cream top with a crunch crust and you have this perfect easy dessert of Orange Bars. 

Bar cookie recipes are so easy  to make. You put all the ingredients into the pan and bake all at once. No more setting a timer, taking the sheet pan out, unloading the cookies that are done to start all over again with another batch. 

Oh no, bar cookies are perfect for the lazy baking baker. And some days I want to put those cookies into the oven and be done. 

More Dessert Recipes: Homemade Brownies | Lime Bars | Apple Crumble Bars | Blondies

Orange Bars, Two Layers of Deliciousness

Now these yummy citrus cookies take two baking cycles but that’s because they have two distinct layer. And they are worth it!

The crust layer is a crisp shortbread that is baked first. It’s buttery and slightly sweet. 

That is covered with a creamy sweet and sour layer of orange filling that is added on top. Bake it again for a delicious creamy topping with a ton of orange flavor. 

If you’ve made lemon bars or lime bars before then you’ll be familiar with this easy process. If not here’s the whole cookie bar making process below in step-by-step photos. 

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What You’ll Need to Make the Orange Cookie Bars

Only a few ingredients are needed and most are probably in your pantry or refrigerator if you bake at home. Here’s what you’ll need…

• Flour, all purpose unbleached
• Sugar, regular cane sugar
• Eggs, size large
• Orange Zest, grate just the orange part avoid the white part
• Orange Juice, once the orange zest is removed squeeze the juice
• Baking Powder, I like this aluminum free one
• Butter, or make them dairy free with a dairy free margarine
• Powdered Sugar, for dusting if desired

That’s all that is needed for this recipe. To get just the zest off the orange, I recommend using a microplane like this one. It makes it easy to finely shred just the first layer off.  

Let me show you how to make them. 

How to Make Orange Bars

In just a few easy steps you can enjoy these citrus, sweet delicious cookie bars. It all starts with the shortbread crust.

Recipe Tip: You’ll want to divide the sugar and the flour into the right portions for the crust and for the filling. If you measure it ahead of time, you are less likely to leave any portion out. 

I know I almost missed adding the flour to the filling, but remembered at the last minute. 

1. Make the Shortbread Crust

Beat the butter. Add the sugar and mix until combined. Then add the flour. Beat the mixture until it is crumbly. This dough won’t come together you’ll be pressing it into the pan. See the photo above.

2. Press in the Crust Layer

Now that the curst layer is mixed, it’s time to dump it into your square baking dish and then press into place. Take it to the oven and bake until just golden brown. 

Recipe Tip: Be sure to press the dough into the pan firmly and tap down the sides so they are even with the middle so you have a level layer of shortbread. 

3. Make the Filling

While the crust is baking, it’s time to make our filling. In a bowl we’ll combined the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon peel, lemon juice, and baking powder. Beat for about 2 minutes or until combined. 

Set aside until the crust is done. 

4. Adding the Filling

Once the crust is done baking, pour the filling over top of the hot crust. Then return to the oven to bake 20 minute or until lightly browned. 

Once done baking cool on a wire rack. Once cooled sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. 

That’s all there is to making these easy creamy orange bars. Just like lemon bars but with a great orange flavor. We make these when oranges are in season for the best flavor. But you can make them any time of year. 

Desserts You’ll Love: Apple Roll | Dairy Free Chocolate Pudding | Homemade Cheesecake Cupcakes

They are really refreshing on a hot summer day too!

Get the printable recipe….