Description
Orange Magic Custard Bars are a delightful, light dessert featuring a delicate orange-flavored custard baked to perfection. This recipe combines whipped egg whites, fresh orange juice, zest, and various extracts to create a custard with a slightly jiggly center and a tender texture, perfect for serving at gatherings or as a refreshing sweet treat.
Ingredients
Custard Base
- 4 egg whites
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted and cooled
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 1 ½ cups warm whole milk
Flavorings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- Optional: 2-3 drops orange food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a medium-sized bowl or using a stand mixer, beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form, ensuring they hold shape firmly for lightness in the custard.
- Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the 4 egg yolks with 1¼ cups powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, which helps create the custard’s creamy texture.
- Add Flavorings and Butter: Stir in the melted and cooled ½ cup butter, orange zest from one orange, 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract, and 1 teaspoon orange extract into the egg yolk mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Orange Juice and Flour: Gently mix ½ cup orange juice into the mixture until fully incorporated. Then, add 1 cup all-purpose flour and stir until no dry spots remain, forming a smooth batter.
- Whisk in Warm Milk: Using a whisk, gently blend in 1½ cups warm whole milk until the batter is smooth but thin in consistency.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, maintaining some lightness; the batter does not need to be completely smooth at this stage.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes. Bake until the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle, indicating the custard is just right.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the custard bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. This helps them set further and makes for easier serving.
Notes
- Optional orange food coloring can be added to enhance the color of the custard bars.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest to maximize the citrus flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake; a slight jiggle in the center ensures the custard remains tender.
- Folding in egg whites gently is key to maintaining the light texture of the bars.
- These bars can be refrigerated and served chilled for a refreshing dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American