Description
These orange bars combine a buttery shortbread base with a vibrant orange flavor and a creamy cardamom swirl, creating a delightful and easy-to-make dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 150g (1.25 cup) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 50g (0.5 cup) Almond Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and moist texture.
- 200g (1 cup) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and creates a chewy texture.
- 115g (0.5 cup) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Creates a rich and tender base.
- 2 Large Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides lift.
- 60ml (0.25 cup) Fresh Orange Juice: Adds vibrant citrus flavor.
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) Orange Zest (about 1 orange): Provides intense citrus aroma.
- 1 tsp (5g) Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise.
- 0.25 tsp (1.5g) Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 120ml (0.5 cup) Whole Milk: Forms the base of the cardamom cream.
- 120ml (0.5 cup) Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the cardamom cream.
- 80g (0.67 cup) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cardamom cream.
- 1 tsp (2g) Ground Cardamom: Adds warm, fragrant spice.
- 20g (2 Tbsp) Cornstarch: Thickens the cardamom cream.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances flavors in the cream.
- 30g (2 Tbsp) Sliced Almonds, Toasted: Provides crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 tsp Orange Zest for Dusting: Adds aroma and visual appeal.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and zest.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gently mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spread Batter: Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Prepare Cardamom Cream: Whisk together milk, cream, sugar, cardamom, salt, and cornstarch.
- Cook Cream: Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (4-5 minutes).
- Swirl Cream: Drizzle cream over batter and gently swirl.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool & Finish: Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
- Toast & Garnish: Toast almonds and sprinkle over bars with orange zest.
- Cut & Serve: Cut into 12-16 bars.
Notes
For easy removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Toasting almonds enhances their flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: orange bars,cardamom,shortbread,citrus,dessert,baking,easy,cream,almonds