These Blood Orange Bars are a vibrant and refreshing twist on classic lemon bars, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, citrusy blood orange filling. The combination of tart and sweet flavors, along with a soft yet firm texture, makes these bars a delightful treat for any occasion. With their naturally stunning color and dusting of powdered sugar, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Citrusy Flavor – Blood oranges provide a unique balance of tartness and sweetness.
Buttery Shortbread Crust – A rich and tender base that perfectly complements the smooth orange filling.
Visually Stunning – The deep red-orange hue of blood oranges makes these bars stand out.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a hassle-free dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust

All-purpose flour
Powdered sugar
Unsalted butter (softened)

For the Filling

Blood orange zest (from 1 orange)
Blood orange juice (from 2 oranges)
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Salt
Large eggs
Burgundy gel food coloring (optional)

For Garnish

Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil and lightly grease with nonstick spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown.

2. Make the Blood Orange Filling

While the crust is baking, add the blood orange zest, juice, granulated sugar, flour, salt, and eggs to a blender or food processor.
Pulse until the mixture is light and frothy.
If desired, stir in a few drops of burgundy gel food coloring to enhance the vibrant color.
Once the crust is done baking, pulse the filling mixture once more and pour it over the hot crust.

3. Bake and Cool

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely to room temperature.
If storing overnight, refrigerate and blot the surface with a paper towel before adding powdered sugar.

4. Garnish and Serve

Dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing.
Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 16 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Lemon Blood Orange Bars – Replace half of the blood orange juice with lemon juice for a tangier taste.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and filling.
Coconut Crust – Substitute half the flour in the crust with shredded coconut for extra flavor.
Nutty Twist – Add finely ground almonds or pistachios to the crust for a rich texture.
Extra Tart Version – Reduce the sugar slightly for a more pronounced citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. If refrigerating overnight, blot the top before adding powdered sugar.
Freezing: Freeze bars (without powdered sugar) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?

Yes, but the bars will have a lighter color and a slightly different flavor.

Why did my filling not set properly?

Make sure to bake until the center is firm and no longer jiggles. Cooling completely also helps the filling firm up.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

Do I have to use food coloring?

No, the natural color of blood oranges is beautiful on its own. The food coloring is optional for a deeper hue.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they taste even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut. Chilling the bars beforehand also helps.

Can I use a different type of flour for the crust?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it will alter the texture slightly.

Why does my powdered sugar disappear after storing?

The moisture from the bars can absorb the sugar. Re-dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Freshly squeezed juice is recommended for the best flavor, but store-bought juice works in a pinch.

What pairs well with these bars?

A cup of tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements them beautifully.

Conclusion

Blood Orange Bars are a stunning and flavorful dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a sweet and tangy citrus filling. Whether for a special occasion or a simple homemade treat, these bars are easy to make and always a hit. Serve them dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish and enjoy every zesty, buttery bite!