Orange Dream Bars
Try this Orange Dream Bars recipe.
Try this Orange Dream Bars recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- crust:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- powdered sugar for topping
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (i used mandarins about 6 of them)
- Carbohydrate 257.403024160927 g
- Cholesterol 2361.51333374296 mg
- Fat 295.902197360507 g
- Fiber 13.5891221600331 g
- Protein 95.7496966645373 g
- Saturated Fat 169.553807714034 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1759g)
- Sodium 1035.1259670201 mg
- Sugar 243.813902000894 g
- Trans Fat 28.6720448290031 g
- Calories 4032 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Line a 9x13 inch pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Beat butter with a hand or a stand mixer until creamy, then add the flour, sugar, and salt and beat until a dough forms. (If you’re using a hand mixer it will take extra time.) Press the crust into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18 minutes.
- A few minutes before the crust comes out of the oven, prepare the filling. Place all filling ingredients into a blender jar and blend until smooth, a few seconds to almost a minute, depending on your blender.
- Carefully pour filling over evenly over hot crust.
- Return to oven and bake until the top is no longer jiggly, about 20-23 minutes.
- Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing into bars.
Orange Dream Bars: A Slice of Sunshine in Every Bite
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But sometimes, the craving for something sweet and comforting hits, and nothing satisfies quite like a homemade treat. These Orange Dream Bars are my go-to recipe for those moments. They're surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight, and the result is a delicious dessert that the whole family will love. The bright citrusy flavor is a perfect pick-me-up, and the buttery, crumbly crust is the perfect complement to the creamy, tangy filling. They're perfect for a quick after-school snack, a weekend brunch, or even a casual get-together with friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No fancy techniques or obscure ingredients are needed, just a few basic pantry staples and a bit of elbow grease.
The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a sunny, citrus grove. Imagine the fragrant orange zest mingling with the sweet, sugary notes of the filling, all baked to golden perfection. The contrast between the soft, melt-in-your-mouth filling and the slightly crunchy crust is simply divine. Each bite is a burst of sunshine, a little moment of joy in an otherwise hectic day. I often double the recipe, making a larger batch to share with colleagues or neighbors. It’s a small gesture of kindness that always seems to brighten someone's day. And let's be honest, having a stash of these bars at home is a surefire way to combat those afternoon slumps!
Making memories, one bar at a time.
Beyond the delicious taste, making these Orange Dream Bars is a cherished ritual. It’s a chance to slow down, put on some music, and engage in a creative process. The act of measuring ingredients, mixing the batter, and watching the bars bake in the oven is incredibly therapeutic. It's a chance to disconnect from the constant demands of work and family and simply be present in the moment. Plus, the satisfaction of sharing these delightful treats with loved ones is unmatched. Seeing their faces light up as they take that first bite, that’s the real reward. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a little pick-me-up, try making these Orange Dream Bars. You might be surprised at how much joy a simple recipe can bring.
Tips and variations:
- For a more intense orange flavor: Use orange juice from freshly squeezed oranges, not bottled juice.
- Add some zest: A little extra orange zest in the filling can amplify the citrusy notes.
- Make it festive: Decorate the bars with a simple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Get creative with the crust: Experiment with different types of flour, such as almond flour or oat flour, for a unique twist.
These Orange Dream Bars are more than just a dessert; they're a testament to the simple pleasures in life. They’re a reminder that even in the midst of a busy schedule, there’s always time to create something beautiful and delicious. So, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the baking begin. You won't regret it!
