Delightfully Citrusy Orange and Lemon Bars: A Zesty Dessert for Every Citrus Lover

Unleash a burst of sun-kissed flavors with these delightfully citrusy Orange and Lemon Bars, a fresh twist on the classic lemon bar. This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of oranges with the bright zest of lemons, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The soft, buttery crust forms the perfect base for the zesty citrus filling, resulting in a treat that perfectly balances sweet and tart notes.

Why You’ll Love This: These Orange and Lemon Bars are a citrus lover’s dream! The dual-citrus flavor is more complex and nuanced than traditional lemon bars, offering a delightful variation that refreshes the palate. The texture contrasts between the crisp crust and the soft, custardy filling make each bite a delightful experience. Additionally, these bars are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient option for any occasion.

Perfect Occasion: These bars are perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or as a sweet finale to a casual backyard BBQ. They are also elegant enough to serve at more formal events like bridal showers or afternoon teas. The refreshing citrus flavor makes them particularly appealing during the warmer months, but they’re sure to be a hit year-round.

Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, dust the chilled bars with powdered sugar just before serving. If you want to add a touch of elegance, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top. Garnish with thin strips of lemon and orange zest for a colorful and festive finish. If serving at a special event, consider placing each bar in a decorative cupcake liner.

Ingredients:

• Crust:
  • 1 cup (8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (9 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (2 oz) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Filling:
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups (14 oz) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (1 1/8 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhang for easy removal.
2. For the crust, in a large bowl, combine softened butter, flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend until a soft dough forms. Press this dough into your prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it turns light golden brown.
3. For the filling, in the same bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the filling over the hot crust and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
5. Allow to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
6. For the icing (optional): Mix 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar with 4-5 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over the chilled bars.

Enjoy these vibrant Orange and Lemon Bars, a perfect treat that brings a slice of citrus delight to your dessert table!