Orange Bars Recipe

These orange bars are soft, buttery, and packed with bright citrus flavour, finished with a smooth orange glaze that melts into every bite. The texture is tender and sliceable, making them perfect for sharing or afternoon tea. This is an easy, reliable bake that suits beginners and experienced home bakers alike. From start to finish, you can have these ready in about one hour.

Ingredients

For the orange base

• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g caster sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• Zest of 2 large oranges
• Juice of 1 orange (about 60ml)
• 200g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp milk

For the orange glaze

• 150g icing sugar, sifted
• 2 to 3 tbsp fresh orange juice
• Extra orange zest, for finishing

How to Make Orange Bars Recipe

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven. Grease and line a 23 x 30cm traybake tin with baking parchment.
• Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. This helps create a light, even crumb.
• Add the eggs and flavour: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and orange juice.
• Mix the dry ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder together. Fold gently into the mixture with the milk until smooth and well combined.
• Bake the base: Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Cool completely: Leave the baked sponge in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift out and place on a wire rack to cool fully before glazing.
• Glaze and finish: Mix the icing sugar with enough orange juice to form a thick but pourable glaze. Spread over the cooled sponge and sprinkle with extra zest. Leave to set, then slice into bars.

Tips

How do I stop the bars from drying out?

Do not overbake. Remove the tray as soon as the centre tests clean, as the bars continue to firm up while cooling.

Can I make the flavour stronger?

Use unwaxed oranges and add extra zest to both the sponge and the glaze for a more intense citrus taste.

Why did my glaze soak in?

If the sponge is still warm, the glaze will absorb. Always allow the base to cool fully before icing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cup of tea or coffee
• Add a spoon of lightly whipped cream on the side
• Dust lightly with extra icing sugar before serving

Storage

Room temperature

Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, especially in warm weather. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

Freeze unglazed bars for up to 3 months. Defrost fully, then glaze before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated fat: 9g
• Sodium: 180mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs