Orange Slice Bars Recipe

Gather ’round, sweet tooth enthusiasts, because I’m about to introduce you to a dessert that’s about to become your new obsession. This delectable creation combines the irresistible charm of pecans, the tropical flair of coconut, and the unexpected zing of orange slice candies, all topped with a luscious orange glaze. Get ready to dive into a baking adventure that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

I delight in creating desserts that bring memories flooding back and pack a powerful flavor punch. My Orange Slice Bars are sweetened with sugar and brown sugar, but that’s just part of the story.

The real richness comes from the toasted pecans and coconut, which also serve to conjure up memories of old-fashioned candy. The orange slice candies that flavor the bars—yes, they were a gourmet treat, but we chopped them up and mixed them with the other ingredients, just as we would have done with any other ingredient in the bars.

And just wait till you taste the finished bars!

Ingredients

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and provides carbohydrate energy.
• Brown Sugar: Gives a rich, molasses flavor and moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bars moist and contributes healthy fats.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients, add protein, and aid in texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure and provides carbohydrates.
• Pecans: Offer a nutty flavor, healthy fats, and protein.
• Orange Slice Candies: Infuse citrus flavor and chewy texture.
• Coconut: Adds tropical flavor and chewy texture with healthy fats.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Provides a smooth, sweet finish when mixed with orange juice.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped orange slice candies
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

How to Make this

1. Prepare the oven by setting it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by applying grease to it.

2. In a big bowl, blend together the granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mix is smooth. Try to find a bowl that is a very large mixing bowl, or a very small mixing bowl for a very large mixing. Either way, it will be a bowl of mixing.

3. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in the vanilla.

4. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.

6. Incorporate the pecans, coconut, and orange slice candies so that they are evenly mixed throughout the batch.

7. Distribute the batter evenly in the baking dish that has been prepared.

8. Bake the bakeable for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Combine the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice in a small bowl to make a glaze while the bars are in the oven.

10. When the bars are finished, take them out of the oven and promptly drizzle the glaze on top. Let them cool all the way down before slicing into squares.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Mixing bowls (large and small)
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Whisk or spoon (for blending and mixing)
7. Spatula or spoon (for distributing batter)
8. Toothpick (for testing doneness)
9. Small bowl (for glaze)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil?A: Yes, you can use canola oil or any light-tasting oil as a substitute.
• Q: How should I store the Orange Slice Bars?A: Keep them at room temperature in an airtight container. They should last for up to 5 days.
• Q: Can I make these bars without nuts?A: Certainly, if you would rather not use nuts, you can leave the pecans out to make this a nut-free version.
• Q: What type of orange slice candies should I use?A: Make sure to use any brand of chewy orange slice candies, and chop them into small pieces.
• Q: Is there a substitute for coconut in this recipe?A: If you don’t like coconut, you can exclude it or substitute it with an equal amount of chopped nuts or dried fruit.
• Q: Can I use fresh orange juice for the glaze?A: Indeed, the fresh juice of an orange has a great potential to create the flavor of the glaze. But there is even more potential to be unlocked with Soldier’s Orange Glaze. This tart and sweet glaze can be achieved with the fresh juice of an orange. But for the best flavor in the glaze, I recommend Sunkist oranges.

Orange Slice Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Sugar: If you’re looking to dodge the brown granules, try using honey or maple syrup instead. For every cup of sweetening power you replace with one of these alternatives, use 1 cup of honey or 3/4 cup of maple syrup for an equally sweet end result.
Cooking oil: Substitute with 1 cup of melted coconut oil or for a healthier option. Use 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
Chopped pecans: Substitute with 1 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Coconut, shredded: Use 1 cup of chopped pineapple, dried, or 1 cup of rolled oats for a unique texture.
For candies in the shape of orange slices: Substitute 1 cup of chopped dried apricots or 1 cup of candied ginger for a deliciously different kind of fruity candy.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the mix. This helps the eggs blend more smoothly with the other ingredients, resulting in a better texture for your baked goods.

2. Fold, Don’t Overmix When incorporating the pecans, coconut, and orange slice candies, fold them gently into the batter. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture as it may develop too much gluten in the flour.

3. Toasting Nuts Consider lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter. This enhances their flavor and gives the finished dish a more complex and nutty profile.

4. Cooling Trick Once you drizzle the glaze, allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. This will ensure the glaze sets properly and makes slicing the bars easier and neater.

5. Uniform Sizing For even baking, ensure that you distribute the batter evenly in the baking dish. This also helps in achieving uniform sizes when you cut the bars, making for a prettier presentation.