Craving a delightful and indulgent treat that perfectly balances the zesty freshness of oranges with the rich decadence of chocolate? Look no further than these mouthwatering Orange Chocolate Bars. This recipe combines the tangy citrus flavor of oranges with the sweet richness of chocolate to create a truly irresistible dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself to a special homemade delight, these Orange Chocolate Bars are guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together and is crumbly.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan to form the crust layer.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until it is lightly golden.
5. While the crust is baking, prepare the chocolate filling. In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
6. Once the chocolate is melted, let it cool slightly. Then, stir in the orange marmalade, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
7. Pour the chocolate orange filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
9. Allow the Orange Chocolate Bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
10. For an extra touch, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
These Orange Chocolate Bars are a delightful blend of citrusy freshness and chocolatey goodness that will surely brighten up any occasion. Perfect for dessert tables, afternoon tea, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are a must-try for any chocolate orange lover. The contrasting flavors and textures of the tangy orange marmalade and rich chocolate create a truly satisfying indulgence that is both comforting and luxurious. So, why wait? Whip up a batch of these irresistible Orange Chocolate Bars today and treat yourself to a little slice of heaven!
