Zesty Citrus Dream Bars
Indulge in these Zesty Citrus Dream Bars, a light and refreshing treat that brings the vibrant flavors of orange and lemon right to your dessert table. Originating from the Woman's World magazine issue dated March 7, 2007, this recipe provides a delightful combination of tartness and sweetness, making it the perfect ending to any meal. With a light crust crafted from simple ingredients, these bars are elevated by a luscious citrus filling that sets beautifully and is guaranteed to impress your guests. Easy to whip up and perfect for sharing, these bars are a must-try for anyone who loves a burst of citrus in their sweets. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 cup (measured)
nonfat sour cream
1/3 cup (measured)
powdered sugar
3 tablespoons + 1 ½ cups (measured; divided into two portions)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (softened at room temperature)
eggs
3 (large, lightly beaten)
egg whites
3 (large, lightly beaten)
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed preferred)
lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed preferred)
lemon zest
1 tablespoon (freshly grated)
baking powder
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
Line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing the edges to overhang by about 2 inches for easy removal. Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, nonfat sour cream, 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and the unsalted butter. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it is well combined and smooth.
4
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use a fork to prick the dough all over to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
5
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it is lightly browned and firm to the touch.
6
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, egg whites, orange juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and the remaining 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar. Use a mixer on low speed to beat the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
7
Once the crust is done baking, carefully pour the citrus filling over the warm crust.
8
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes, or until the filling is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, if desired, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar before cutting the bars into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Citrus Dream Bars?
They are a light and refreshing dessert treat featuring the vibrant flavors of orange and lemon with a luscious citrus filling over a simple crust.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originated from the Woman's World magazine issue dated March 7, 2007.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
What size baking pan is needed?
A 9-inch square baking pan is required for this recipe.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line the pan with aluminum foil, allowing a 2-inch overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
What ingredients are in the crust?
The crust is made of all-purpose flour, nonfat sour cream, 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and softened unsalted butter.
How do I mix the crust?
Combine the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
Why should I prick the dough with a fork?
Pricking the dough all over with a fork prevents it from puffing up while it bakes.
How long does the crust bake?
The crust needs to bake for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the crust is ready?
The crust is ready when it is lightly browned and firm to the touch.
What goes into the citrus filling?
The filling consists of eggs, egg whites, orange juice, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and powdered sugar.
How much orange juice is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of orange juice, preferably freshly squeezed.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed.
How much lemon zest is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest.
How much powdered sugar is used in the filling?
The filling uses 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar.
How should the filling be mixed?
Use a mixer on low speed to beat the filling ingredients until they are thoroughly blended.
When do I add the filling to the crust?
Carefully pour the citrus filling over the crust immediately after the crust has finished its initial 20-minute bake while it is still warm.
What is the total baking time for the filling?
The bars bake for an additional 40 minutes once the filling is added.
How do I check if the bars are done?
The bars are done when the filling is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How should the bars be cooled?
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Is there a recommended garnish?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional powdered sugar over the bars once they have cooled.
How many eggs are needed in total?
The recipe uses 3 large eggs and 3 large egg whites, both lightly beaten.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature.
Is there a specific type of sour cream required?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for nonfat sour cream.
Does the recipe use baking powder?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder is included in the citrus filling.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
What category of food do these bars fall into?
These are classified as dessert bar cookies.
Are these bars considered a light treat?
Yes, they are described as a lightened-up, refreshing citrus dessert.
Can I use bottled juices?
While fresh juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
How should I cut the bars?
Once completely cooled and garnished, use the foil edges to lift the block out of the pan and cut into even squares.