Orange Magic Custard Bars Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A unique, layered dessert that looks and tastes impressive.
• Bursting with fresh orange flavor for a citrusy twist.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Perfect for serving at gatherings or as a sweet treat for yourself.
• Make-ahead friendly—these bars taste even better after chilling.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Custard Base:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 cups whole milk, lukewarm
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare Egg Yolks Mixture
   In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with granulated sugar until pale and creamy. Add melted butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Slowly mix in the flour until just incorporated. Gradually add orange juice and lukewarm milk, stirring continuously until smooth.
3. Whip Egg Whites
   In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in three additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture. The batter will be thin with lumps.
4. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is slightly jiggly but set.
5. Cool and Chill
   Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
6. Serve
   Use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the dish. Slice into squares and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 9 squares
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Chill Time: At least 2 hours

Variations

• Lemon Version: Swap orange zest and juice with lemon for a zesty lemon twist.
• Spiced Custard Bars: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warm spice notes.
• Chocolate Orange Custard Bars: Fold in a few tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate-orange combination.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: These bars are best served cold, but you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if preferred.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?

Yes, but the bars may lose some of their creamy richness. Whole milk is recommended.

2. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13 inch baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

3. Why is my batter so thin?

That’s normal! The thin batter is essential for the layers to form during baking.

4. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The top should be golden, and the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.

5. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These bars taste even better after chilling, so feel free to make them a day in advance.

6. Can I skip the orange zest?

The zest adds vibrant citrus flavor, so it’s recommended, but you can omit it if necessary.

7. What type of oranges should I use?

Fresh navel or Valencia oranges work best for their juice and zest.

8. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt to a pinch.

9. Why didn’t my layers form properly?

Make sure to whip the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold them into the batter. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

10. Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but the thickness of the layers and baking time may vary. Adjust accordingly.

Conclusion

These Orange Magic Custard Bars are a show-stopping dessert with their creamy custard layers and vibrant citrus flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make, customizable, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of orange or simply love unique desserts, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every luscious bite!

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