Easy Orange Bars Recipe

I made these orange bars as a “quick dessert” on a Tuesday, which in my house is code for “I forgot I promised something sweet and will now invent sugars in real time.” They’re bright, citrusy, and dangerously easy — the kind of thing you can pretend took effort while secretly blaming the oven for any imperfections. Try them because they’re comforting, impressive, and shimmery enough to distract guests from the fact that you still have cereal bowls in the sink.

Once, I brought these to a family picnic and my husband, convinced he was being helpful, decided the bars needed a “personal stamp.” He used a fork, then a leaf, then a suspiciously sticky handprint. The kids thought it was modern art and insisted we call it “abstract citrus.” I pretended to be offended, then ate three pieces glowered at by fork tines and called it a win. Also: yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use bottled orange juice in a pinch. Yes, I judge, but secretly do it on busy days.
– Make the crust in the same bowl you mixed the topping — fewer dishes, more life choices.
– Use parchment paper to lift the whole slab out; it’s like magic and also fewer greasy fingerprints.
– Bake two pans at once if you have guests — otherwise freeze one and feel smug later.
– Microwave zest? Don’t. Grate and count it as therapy.

Serving Ideas

– With a dollop of whipped cream if you want to look fancy and still be lazy.
– Serve with coffee in the morning and say it’s “breakfast bars.” Nobody argues when caffeine is involved.
– Pair with a sparkling wine if the kids drove you nuts all day — I’m not judging, I’m endorsing.
– Cut into small squares for parties so people don’t feel guilty about the second (third) helping.
– Keep it simple: a plate, a napkin, and zero explanations.

What to Serve It With

A cup of coffee, a mug of tea, or a glass of something fizzy for when the in-laws arrive. For breakfast, try it with yogurt; for dessert, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and claim you’re living your best life. If you want to be extra, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky salt over the top — the world needs more salty-sweet.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t overbake. These bars keep cooking a bit after you pull them — they’re needy like that.
– If your crust is crumbly, press it in with a measuring cup to compact it — use force, gently.
– Zest before you cut the orange, unless you enjoy hunting for zest in a sticky citrus jungle.
– Forgot to line the pan? Cry, then improvise with foil and a buttered hand. It works enough.
– Note: I once left them in the oven on warm for too long and created a caramelized masterpiece that was slightly charred and aggressively loved. Mistakes can be delicious.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh. Also: wrap tightly or use an airtight container to avoid your fridge absorbing a citrusy perfume that confuses everyone at 3 a.m.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts. Other ideas: add a touch of cardamom for grown-up vibes, swap half the flour for almond flour for a nutty twist, or stir in shredded coconut if you’re committed to tropical living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Orange Bars Recipe

A delightful orange dessert bar with a zesty flavor, perfect for any occasion.

No ratings yet

Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 0.5 cups butter melted
• ▢ 3 large eggs
• ▢ 0.5 cups orange juice freshly squeezed
• ▢ 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
• In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
• In another bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, orange juice, and orange zest.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes.
• Allow to cool before slicing into bars and serving.

Notes

Enjoy these delicious bars with a cup of tea or coffee!