Who doesn’t love a cake that’s both healthy and delicious? This Simple Healthy Orange Cake is a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your table. It’s perfect for those who crave something sweet but want to keep things light.
With its moist texture and vibrant taste, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s get baking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine cold, cubed butter, flour, and confectioners sugar. Mix using a pastry cutter, food processor, or your hands until the mixture is crumbly and resembles small peas.
- Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan lined with parchment paper. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to brown.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth. Add granulated sugar, flour, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest to the eggs, mixing well to eliminate any lumps.
- Once the crust is baked, pour the orange filling over it. Place back in the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, ensuring you do not cover the pan during baking.
- After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set.
- Once chilled, dust the top with confectioners sugar. Cut the orange bars into squares, serve, and enjoy your delicious treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup (126g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (252g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup (160ml) fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons orange zest (up to 1 tablespoon, adjust to taste)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
FAQ
- What are Orange Bars?
- Orange Bars are a delightful dessert made with real oranges, offering a sweet and buttery flavor profile. The combination of fresh orange juice and zest gives these bars a delicious taste, similar to Lemon Bars but without the tartness.
- Can I make Orange Bars gluten-free?
- Yes, you can easily make Orange Bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This substitution works well and maintains the texture and flavor of the bars.
- How should I store Orange Bars?
- Orange Bars can be left at room temperature for several hours, but for longer storage, they should be refrigerated. To retain freshness, cover the bars with plastic wrap and foil. If freezing, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, label them with the date, and store them in the freezer.
- What tips can ensure perfect Orange Bars?
- Using room temperature ingredients can enhance the texture of the bars. Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes removal easier. To extract more juice from an orange, roll it firmly on the counter or microwave it for 10-15 seconds before juicing.
- How can I get the best cuts when serving Orange Bars?
- For clean cuts, it’s advisable to cut only the needed portions when serving, especially if the bars have been refrigerated. This method also keeps the remaining bars fresh until serving.
Tips
- To maximize the juice from your orange, roll it firmly on the counter before juicing, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds to help loosen the juices.
- Consider using room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending of your orange bar mixture.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal of the bars once they are baked.
- If you want to make gluten-free orange bars, substitute regular flour with a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Equipment
- Pastry Cutter – Useful for blending butter into flour and sugar to make the crust.
- 9×13 Inch Pan – Essential for baking the bars.
- Parchment Paper – Helpful for lining the pan for easy removal of the bars.
