Irresistibly Gooey Blood Orange Bars with Sweet Vanilla Bean Glaze: Your New Favorite Winter Citrus Dessert

Prepare to be enchanted by these thick, gooey Blood Orange Bars, generously drizzled with a sweet, vibrant, and utterly delicious pink blood orange glaze. This recipe isn’t just about baking a dessert; it’s about creating an experience that delights the senses, from the stunning visual appeal to the exquisite balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. Perfect for brightening up any day, especially during the colder months when blood oranges are at their peak.

My recent obsession with blood oranges is no secret, and for good reason! Beyond their visually stunning deep pink, almost ruby-red flesh, their flavor profile is truly unique. They offer a delightful sweetness complemented by a distinct hint of tartness, often with subtle notes of raspberry or cranberry. This complexity makes them an extraordinary ingredient for both beverages and desserts, elevating anything they touch.

Their sweet and slightly tart juice has inspired many delicious creations, from a refreshing Blood Orange Cosmo to a sophisticated Blood Orange Bourbon Fizz. It only made sense that such a versatile and flavorful fruit would transform into an equally irresistible dessert. And these Blood Orange Bars absolutely deliver on that promise.

The Perfect Balance of Texture and Taste

What makes these Blood Orange Bars truly stand out is their incredible textural contrast. Each bar boasts an intensely gooey, almost jam-like interior, bursting with vibrant citrus flavor. This luscious filling is encased by a beautifully crackly exterior that provides a lovely, satisfying crunch with every bite. The buttery, nutty crust beneath adds yet another layer of texture, making each mouthful a symphony of soft, chewy, and crisp elements.

And then there’s the crowning glory: the sweet and tangy glaze. Crafted from just three simple ingredients – powdered sugar, fresh blood orange juice and zest, and a touch of vanilla bean paste – it’s a game-changer. Once the bars have cooled, this gorgeously pink glaze is generously drizzled over their sticky tops. It not only adds an extra burst of concentrated blood orange flavor but also introduces a creamy, aromatic hint of vanilla, creating a perfect harmony of tastes.

Effortless Baking, Exceptional Results

Did I mention that these Blood Orange Bars are incredibly easy to make? The entire batter comes together in a single bowl using just a whisk. That’s right – no heavy stand mixers or multiple attachments required, which means minimal cleanup. We all appreciate a delicious recipe that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen or a mountain of dishes, and these bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick yet impressive dessert.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Blood Orange Bar Recipe

Stunning Visual Appeal: The deep pink hue of the blood oranges, both in the bars and the glaze, makes for an absolutely gorgeous dessert that will impress any guest.
Unforgettable Flavor: The unique sweet-tart profile of blood oranges is perfectly highlighted, offering a refreshing citrus burst that’s more complex than typical orange desserts.
Perfect Texture: The combination of a nutty, crisp crust, a gooey, jammy filling, and a crackly top creates an irresistible multi-textured experience.
Surprisingly Simple: Despite their gourmet appearance and taste, these bars are incredibly easy to prepare with minimal equipment and fuss.
Seasonal Delight: Embrace the magic of winter citrus season by making the most of fresh, ripe blood oranges.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for dessert, brunch, an afternoon snack, or as a delightful addition to any potluck or party spread.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Blood Orange Bars

Achieving bakery-quality blood orange bars at home is simple with a few key tips:

Fresh Ingredients are Key: Always use freshly squeezed blood orange juice and fresh zest. The flavor difference compared to bottled juice is immense and crucial for the vibrant taste of these bars.
Don’t Overmix the Crust: Mix the crust ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough crust, and we want that lovely tender-crisp texture.
Avoid Overbaking the Filling: The filling should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools, ensuring that signature gooey texture. Overbaking will result in a drier bar.
Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue here! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to glaze or cut them. This allows the filling to fully set, preventing crumbling and ensuring clean cuts.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, makes lifting the cooled bars out of the pan incredibly easy and mess-free.
Sift the Powdered Sugar for the Glaze: Sifting the powdered sugar ensures a smooth, lump-free glaze. No one wants a gritty glaze!

Serving and Storage

These Blood Orange Bars are wonderfully versatile. Serve them as an elegant dessert after dinner, alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or even as a unique addition to your brunch spread. They’re also perfect for gifting or bringing to gatherings, as they travel well and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Once glazed and set, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars (without the glaze, if preferred) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Print Recipe

Blood Orange Bars with Vanilla Bean Blood Orange Glaze

These thick, intensely gooey Blood Orange Bars are a sublime winter citrus treat. Featuring a buttery pecan crust, a vibrant blood orange filling with a delightful crackly top, and finished with a sweet, creamy vanilla bean blood orange glaze, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and incredible texture. Easy to make and utterly irresistible!

Ingredients:

Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup ground pecans (finely ground)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon orange zest (from a regular or blood orange)

Filling

4 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup fresh blood orange juice (about 1-2 oranges)
2 tablespoons blood orange zest
1 teaspoon lemon zest (for an extra bright kick)

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2-3 tablespoons fresh blood orange juice (for color and flavor)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)

Directions:

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8-inch-by-8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing it to overlap on two opposite sides. This “sling” will make removing the bars much easier.
Make the Crust: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and finely ground pecans. Mix on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
Prepare and Bake the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously to break the yolks. Add the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, fresh blood orange juice, blood orange zest, and lemon zest. Continue to whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Carefully pour this vibrant filling evenly over the warm, baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown and the center is mostly set with a slight wobble. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least one hour on a wire rack.
Glaze and Serve: Once completely cooled (this is crucial for clean cuts), lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into desired pieces (rectangles or squares work best). In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, fresh blood orange juice, and vanilla bean paste until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars. Allow the glaze to set and harden for about 15-20 minutes before storing in an airtight container. The bars will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature.

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There you have it – a truly delightful and visually stunning dessert that celebrates the unique beauty and flavor of blood oranges. These bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but a feast for the eyes, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Dive into the world of winter citrus and let these Blood Orange Bars become a cherished part of your baking repertoire!