Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Bars
Indulge in the delightful combination of vibrant orange flavors and creamy richness with these Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Bars. Made with a base of orange cake mix, these bars feature a luscious cream cheese topping that perfectly balances sweetness and tang. Enhanced with the brightness of fresh orange zest and crunchy pecans, they're a hit at parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Plus, using reduced-fat cream cheese makes them a little lighter, without skimping on flavor!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange cake mix
19 1/4 ounces (dry)
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (liquid)
Pecans
1/3 cup (chopped)
Powdered sugar
16 ounces (dry)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Large eggs
2 (beaten)
Orange rind
2 teaspoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan and set aside.
2
For the crust: In a large bowl, combine the orange cake mix, vegetable oil, and chopped pecans. Stir until the mixture is well blended and crumbly.
3
Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4
For the topping: In another large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer set to low speed, beat the mixture until smooth and well blended.
5
Add the eggs and grated orange rind to the cream cheese mixture. Continue to beat at low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
6
Pour the cream cheese topping over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden.
8
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
9
Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.
10
Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Bars!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
24g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
20g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Orange Cream Cheese Bars?
They are a delicious dessert featuring an orange cake mix crust and a creamy orange-infused cream cheese topping.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan is needed for this recipe?
A 13x9 inch baking pan is required.
What ingredients are used to make the crust?
The crust is made from orange cake mix, vegetable oil, and chopped pecans.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, the recipe description notes that using reduced-fat cream cheese makes them lighter without sacrificing flavor.
How many eggs are needed for the topping?
Two large eggs are used in the cream cheese topping.
How much orange rind is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of grated orange rind.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is set and lightly golden.
Do the bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, they should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
How much powdered sugar is used in the topping?
The topping requires 16 ounces of powdered sugar.
What kind of nuts are used in the crust?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of chopped pecans.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has about 6 grams of fat.
How much vegetable oil is needed?
The crust uses 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
What type of cake mix is recommended?
A 19.24 ounce box of orange cake mix is recommended.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in one serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of sugar.
Is there any fiber in these bars?
Yes, there is approximately 0.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 1.5 grams of protein.
Should the eggs be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the eggs should be beaten before being added to the cream cheese mixture.
How should the topping be mixed?
Use an electric mixer on low speed to beat the powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth.
Should the pan be greased?
Yes, you should grease the 13x9 inch baking pan before adding the crust.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the cream cheese topping is set and has turned lightly golden.
What occasions are these bars suitable for?
They are great for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat at home.
Can I serve these bars immediately after baking?
No, they should cool to room temperature and then chill in the fridge for 2 hours first.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 7 ingredients.
What flavor profile do these bars have?
They have a vibrant citrus flavor combined with a sweet and tangy cream cheese richness.
Are the pecans added to the topping or the crust?
The chopped pecans are mixed into the crust.
Should the orange rind be grated?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of grated orange rind.