Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (divided)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick, cold and cubed)
- Granulated sugar: 1 1/4 cups (divided)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Large eggs: 3
- Fresh blood orange juice: 1/2 cup (strained)
- Blood orange zest: 1 tablespoon
- Confectioners' sugar: For dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. For the crust, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl; cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Step 2: While the crust bakes, prepare the blood orange filling. In a separate bowl, whisk the 3 eggs until smooth. Gradually whisk in the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar, the blood orange zest, and the strained blood orange juice until the mixture is fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Step 3: Remove the hot crust from the oven. Carefully and immediately pour the blood orange filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is fully set and the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
- Step 4: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the custard to fully firm up before slicing.
- Step 5: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the chilled bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for a cleaner edge. Dust the tops generously with confectioners' sugar immediately before serving.
Notes
- Keep these delicate bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days; they must be served chilled, as the citrus filling softens quickly at room temperature.
- These bars are best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator, but if they have been deeply chilled overnight, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes just before serving to slightly soften the filling texture.
- Elevate the experience by serving these intensely tart bars alongside a dollop of fresh whipped cream lightly scented with vanilla bean or a few slivers of candied ginger.
- For perfectly clean, professional slices, dip your sharp knife into hot water and wipe it completely dry between each cut; this prevents the sticky filling from dragging and smearing the edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American