Blood Orange Bars Recipe with Blood Orange Juice | White On Rice Coupl (2024)

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by Todd + Diane

Blood Orange Bars Recipe with Blood Orange Juice | White On Rice Coupl (1)

Blood Orange Bars Recipe

It’s this time of year that we start enjoying margaritas, particularly blood orange margaritas and meyer lemon margaritas. Aside from the fact that the holidays are over and our New Years celebrations have officially ended, we’re just beginning to relish in these wonderful co*cktails. Why? Whats the occasion? Well, it’s peak citrus season in our neck of the garden-woods, of course.

Though it’s freezing outside and we often wake up to frost on our roofs, all our citrus are still hanging on firm to their branches. When the sun peaks through the clouds in the middle of the day, the citrus get their daily sun bathing sessions to sweeten up their juices and develop their flavors. And what we have before us are bucket loads of blood oranges, mandarins, juicing tangerines, limes and lemons that need to be juiced. Yup, we’re super spoiled. That’s what geeky-gardeners like to do: grow almost 20 citrus trees to feast on during January.

Now that we’ve gloated about our crazy citrus trees, really, what do with a ton of blood oranges? The flavors of these blood red oranges are so perfectly tangy/sweet. The drippy juices are sexy and luscious, so the first thing that comes to mind is making a variation off our meyer lemon bars using they blood oranges. We’ll… to be honest, it was the second or third thought. There were a couple co*cktails which came to mind first. But back to the bars… The thought of making these bars with fresh blood orange juice sounded so wonderful and we were hoping that the results would go beyond our theory.

Fingers crossed, we were hoping this first batch would be the on the money because there’s nothing more sacrilegious than to waste 2 cups of fresh blood orange juice. This nectar is what the Greek Gods fought for! ( or at least something close to that mythology).

The results were incredible. What you see before you are some truly luscious, silky, delicious and amazing blood orange bars.

Make them.

Right Away.

If you can get your hand on a generous amount of blood oranges for juicing, this should be one of the first recipes you bake.

Valentines day is coming near and if you’re in a bind as to what to make for your sweetheart, these blood orange bars are perfect to show your love. Really, who needs chocolate? Well, ok, chocolate is a great offering. But mix it up a bit. Be daring, different and break some sweetheart rules and offer a platter of these lovely bars. Your love won’t be disappointed.

Next on the agenda is another variation on this curd for Valentines Day. Again, fingers crossed our next experiment will turn out equally wonderful. If not, we have some back up chocolate sauce to drizzle over what ever were making!

Happy January to you all.

Blood Orange Bars Recipe with Blood Orange Juice | White On Rice Coupl (6)

Blood Orange Bars w/ Brown Butter Crust

The recipe is enough to make the bars in a 1/4 sheet pan (9"x13") , however we know for most, blood oranges can be a bit expensive so a reduced recipe may be a better option. The recipe works perfect to halve it and make the bars in a 4"x14" tart pan (that is what was used in the photos) or made into individual tarts in 3" or 4" pans. Or you can always substitute in some tangerine juice for the blood orange juice. The color will pale more towards the orange side, but it will still be delicious. Promise. Also, make sure to taste the sweetness of the curd as you are making it. Blood oranges can vary quite a bit on their sweetness, so adjust the sugar quantities to your desired taste.

5 from 6 votes

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Ingredients

Crust Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound (225g) unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup (100g) Sugar
  • 3 cups (375g) Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) Kosher Salt

Blood Orange Curd Ingredients - makes @ 6 cups

  • 1/4 cup (40g) Cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 cup (300g) Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) Kosher Salt
  • 12 Eggs , beaten
  • 4 Egg Yolks , beaten
  • zest of 6 Blood Oranges
  • 2 1/2 cups (600ml) Blood Orange Juice
  • 1/2 pound (225g or 2 sticks) cold, unsalted Butter , cut into 1/2" pieces

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Set aside a 9"x13" 1/4 sheet pan.

  • Make the crust. Put butter in a saucepan and melt over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter until it develops an amber color and begins to smell a bit "toasted nut-like". Remove from heat and stir sugar into butter until mostly dissolved.

  • Put flour and salt in a large bowl. Stir in butter and sugar and mix until completely incorporated (it will be a crumbly texture). Press mixture into the 1/4 sheet pan, working the dough up the sides of the pan and evenly across the bottom.

  • Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden.

  • While the crust bakes, make the curd. Whisk together the cornstarch, sugar and the salt in a bowl. Mix in the eggs, zest, and juice. Place bowl over a pot with gently boiling water (cook over a bain marie).

  • Cook over the bain marie, stirring frequently until the curd has thickened. Remove from heat and then, a few pieces at a time, stir in the butter until it is completely incorporated. Strain curd through a fine mesh strainer.

  • Pour the curd into the cooked crust as soon as you take it out of the oven. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes or until the filling has thickened. Place in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

  • Cut into desired pieces and serve chilled.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 629kcal, Carbohydrates: 66g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 37g, Saturated Fat: 21g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 310mg, Sodium: 362mg, Potassium: 214mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 38g, Vitamin A: 1372IU, Vitamin C: 26mg, Calcium: 52mg, Iron: 3mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Baking, Fruit, Garden Recipes, Gatherings & Parties

Calories: 629

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Blood Orange Bars Recipe with Blood Orange Juice | White On Rice Coupl (8)

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80 comments on “Luscious Blood Orange Bars with a Brown Butter Crust”

  1. Ashley B. February 1, 2021 @ 10:39 pm Reply

    I wanted to make this in my 10-inch tart pan. It only is about 1 inch deep. Would you suggest that I halve the filling part of the recipe?

    • February 3, 2021 @ 9:24 am Reply

      Hi Ashley,
      We haven’t made it in a 10″ tart pan yet, but halving it may leave you a little thin on the curd, which would still taste fine. You just wouldn’t have as much curd per bite. We’d be more inclined to either do 3/4 of the curd recipe or just make a whole batch, and save the extra for something else.

  2. Brandon June 25, 2020 @ 5:37 pm Reply

    I know I’m 7.5 years late to the party, but I just tried this recipe and it’s delish! I live in LA, and every year I get my blood oranges from Rick’s Seasonal Produce in East Hollywood. I like my blood oranges tart and tangy, which worked well for the curd. I’m thrilled blood orange season is lasting so much longer this year than it normally does!

    I’m completely new to baking, but I’ve started teaching myself basic techniques during my self-isolation. This was my first attempt at a curd, and I’m so proud of myself for nailing it, thanks in no small part to your clear instructions.

    My only not is that I tried a powdered sugar dusting like in your beautiful staged photos, but it sopped it up and got a little sweaty.

    Otherwise, perfection!Blood Orange Bars Recipe with Blood Orange Juice | White On Rice Coupl (11)

    • June 26, 2020 @ 11:59 am Reply

      Hi Brandon,
      So glad you nailed it & love it. We’re always a little on the fence about dusting with powdered sugar. Always looks so beautiful, yet lasts such a short time. For best serving, we’ll dust individual pieces just before serving.
      Happy baking.

    • June 28, 2020 @ 10:02 am Reply

      Hi Brandon, thanks for sharing and so glad you enjoyed the bars! We’re proud of you too for nailing the curd. 🙂 And thanks for mentioning Rick’s seasonal produce. We haven’t been there before and hope to make a visit sometime.

  3. Carmen June 21, 2019 @ 5:23 am Reply

    This was such a gorgeous dessert and a hit at my party. Will definitely be making it again. Blood Orange Bars Recipe with Blood Orange Juice | White On Rice Coupl (12)

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Blood Orange Bars Recipe with Blood Orange Juice | White On Rice Coupl (2024)

FAQs

What does blood orange pair well with? ›

Blood orange pair well with all types of less acidic fruit. These kinds of fruits attenuate blood orange's tartness, therefore: apricots, figs, strawberries, lime, lemon, mango, apples, melon and peaches. A marriage with pineapple mitigates the sour and slightly sulphurous notes of this orange.

Are blood oranges good for diabetics? ›

Nutrition. Blood oranges are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce the stress of oxidation and lower your risk of chronic health problems like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Are blood oranges healthier than regular oranges? ›

The difference between these two varieties of orange is that blood oranges have an antioxidant called anthocyanin. This antioxidant gives blood oranges their distinct color, but it also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Also, the blood orange is less tangy than a navel orange but has a floral tart taste.

Is blood orange juice good for you? ›

Blood oranges are highly nutritious and contain several important vitamins and minerals, including fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They may also be linked to many health benefits, including weight loss, improved gut health, and better immune function. Plus, this citrus fruit is simply delicious.

What flavor goes best with blood orange? ›

Blood orange: Pairs well with almond, cardamom, chocolate, cinnamon, clove, fig, ginger, honey, and other citrus fruits. Currants (black and red): Pair well with chocolate and citrus.

What season is best for blood oranges? ›

Long popular in Italy and Spain, these ruby-hued oranges are now being cultivated in Texas and California. Available from December to April, blood oranges are often both sweeter and less tart than other types of oranges, with a pleasantly bitter edge.

Do blood oranges spike blood sugar? ›

Oranges are a low glycemic index (GI) food that can help people with diabetes meet their vitamin and mineral needs. Oranges are sweet, but they will likely not raise blood sugar levels as other sweet foods.

Is there a lot of sugar in blood oranges? ›

Like most fruits, blood oranges are low in calories, fat, and protein, and high in carbs and natural sugars.

Is 2 oranges a day too much for a diabetic? ›

You may be under the impression that fruit is off-limits if you have diabetes due to its sugar content. But the sugar in whole fruit may not be the type of sugar you need to cut down on. You can enjoy oranges and bananas in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Is blood orange good for kidneys? ›

Given their potassium content, oranges and orange juice likely need to be avoided or limited on a renal diet. Grapes, apples, and cranberries, as well as their respective juices, are all good substitutes for oranges and orange juice, as they have lower potassium content.

Why are blood oranges so expensive? ›

Blood oranges tend to be easier to peel than other oranges, often have fewer seeds, and have a sweeter taste. Their season is typically from December through April, so they can be harder to find and more expensive than naval or other common oranges.

Is blood orange good for your hair? ›

The high water content in the fruit promotes hydration levels in the body. As dryness is the main cause of hair frizz, blood orange works effectively to counter it, making the hair soft and manageable.

What does blood orange do for your skin? ›

Natural Exfoliation: The citric acid in blood oranges can act as a mild exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion. Anti-Inflammatory: Some compounds in blood orange have anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for calming skin irritations and redness.

Are blood oranges anti-inflammatory? ›

Another study found that the extract from blood oranges contained anti-inflammatory activity and plenty of antioxidants. These antioxidants and other active ingredients protect the body from the effects of free radicals.

What complements red orange? ›

Combine red orange with other colors.

Red orange color is often combined with blue and green hues that sit opposite of it on the color wheel.

What is the complementary color of oranges? ›

Complementary colors are located directly opposite from each other on the color wheel. (Follow the black lines that go through the center of the simple color wheel.) For example: Blue complements orange.

What food pairs well with blood orange gin? ›

A classic choice would be grilled salmon with a blood orange glaze. The natural oils and richness of the salmon are perfectly balanced by the gin's bright citrus notes, enhancing the flavors of both the dish and the drink. For poultry, think of dishes that can be enhanced with a hint of citrus.

What is blood orange mixer? ›

Premium Juice Blood Orange Sour Mixer

Its sweet flavor, tinged with hints of berry, and exotic crimson-colored flesh blend perfectly in our blood orange mixer. We've combined it with single-pressed California lemon juice and Mexican lime juice for an unexpected and exotic twist on sour mix.

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