If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly captures the bright, zesty flavors of citrus in a melt-in-your-mouth bar, this Orange Bars Recipe delivers pure sunshine in every bite! The buttery shortbread foundation supports a luxuriously silky orange filling, boasting fresh juice and zest for that punchy, fragrant sweetness. It’s the perfect combination of rich, tangy, and sweet — just the thing to wake up your dessert table or add a splash of color to a tea party. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or looking for a comforting snack to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these Orange Bars will be a new household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how it relies on just a few basic yet mighty ingredients, each playing a starring role. Together, they create the lush texture, vibrant color, and irresistible aroma that make these bars so craveable.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): This is the base of the shortbread, providing richness and that signature tender crumble.
Granulated sugar (½ cup for crust, ¾ cup for filling): Sweetens both the base and the filling without overpowering the citrus notes.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Delivers structure and body to the crust, keeping it sturdy yet delicate.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Gives the crust a warm, welcoming aroma that’s hard to resist.
Eggs (4 large): Vital for the custardy orange filling — they help set and bind everything together.
Cornstarch (¼ cup): Ensures the orange layer is silky, smooth, and holds its shape once sliced.
Fresh orange juice (⅔ cup): The Citrus MVP! Seek out freshly squeezed juice for the boldest flavor.
Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Infuses the filling with intense fragrance and adds beautiful specks of color.
Almond extract (½ teaspoon): Just a touch adds an irresistible, subtle depth to the filling.
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Gives a pretty, bakery-style finish and the perfect hint of extra sweetness.

How to Make Orange Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

Creating the perfect crust is all about getting that delightful balance of buttery richness and slight crunch. Melt your butter and, in a large mixing bowl, stir it together with ½ cup sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and salt until a thick, even dough forms. Shortbread doesn’t need to be complicated; this easy bowl method means less work and no need for a mixer.

Step 2: Press and Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure you have a bit hanging over the sides for easy lifting later. Press the dough evenly into the dish, using your hands or the flat bottom of a glass to make it as even as you can. Prick the surface all over with a fork — this keeps it from bubbling up. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes until the edges are just toasted golden. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Orange Filling

While your crust is baking, grab a fresh bowl and whisk together the eggs, the remaining ¾ cup sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, orange zest, and almond extract. Don’t rush this step — make sure the mixture is totally smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This yields a luscious, custardy orange layer that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.

Step 4: Combine and Bake Again

The magic happens when you pour the tangy filling over the just-baked, still-warm crust. This helps meld the two layers together and ensures every bite has a bit of both. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–22 minutes, until the filling is set — it should jiggle slightly but not be liquid in the center.

Step 5: Chill to Perfection

Once baked, let the bars cool on the counter for about 30 minutes, then move them to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (overnight is great, too). This ensures the filling is fully set and will slice beautifully.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

When you’re ready to indulge, lift the chilled slab out of the dish using the parchment overhang, transfer to a board, and slice into 12 neat squares. For truly picture-perfect bars, wipe your knife between each cut. Dust with powdered sugar if you like — you’ve just made a batch of sensational Orange Bars Recipe that’s ready for sharing!

How to Serve Orange Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkling of powdered sugar is always charming, but you can also top these bars with delicate curls of orange zest or even a few edible flowers for a fresh, sophisticated look. A very light drizzle of melted white chocolate is an extra-special treat if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Pair your Orange Bars Recipe with a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to emphasize their citrus brightness. If serving for afternoon tea, a platter of light tea sandwiches and fresh mint leaves complements them beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try cutting the bars into bite-sized diamonds and arranging them in cupcake liners for a pass-around sweet. Stack them into a tiered dessert stand for an elegant brunch, or serve on a rustic wooden board with other citrus treats for a delightful seasonal display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sliced, store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to five days — in fact, the flavor may get even better after a day or two as the orange filling settles in.

Freezing

Good news: these bars freeze beautifully! Arrange the sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep their bright flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

These Orange Bars Recipe are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so no need to reheat. If you’d like to serve them slightly warmer, let them sit out of the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving, letting the filling turn silky and soft.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

Fresh orange juice really gives the bars their irresistible punch and natural sweetness, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will work. Just choose a high-quality, pulp-free variety and consider bumping up the zest for extra fragrance.

Can I make the crust in advance?

Absolutely! Bake and cool the crust, then wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to a day in advance. Simply prepare and pour on the orange filling when ready to bake the bars.

What’s the secret to getting clean, neat slices?

Chill your bars thoroughly! For the neatest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp paper towel between each slice. Patience and a clean blade are your best friends for bakery-worthy presentation.

Can I make this Orange Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. It may result in a slightly more delicate shortbread, but the flavors will shine just as bright.

Why is there almond extract in the filling?

Almond extract elevates the citrus, adding a sophisticated, aromatic note in the background. It doesn’t make the bars taste like marzipan; rather, it melds with the orange and vanilla for a unique, craveable flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the sheer joy of a homemade Orange Bars Recipe, bursting with citrusy goodness and just the right buttery crunch. These bars are a ray of sunshine on even the gloomiest day! Give them a try and share them with people you love — I can almost guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe.