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    Home » Brownies & Bars

    January 14, 2020 · Updated February 6, 2023

    Cara Cara Orange Bars (with a thyme shortbread crust!)

    2 Comments

    · by Amanda Gajdosik

    Cara Cara Orange Bars are full of flavor from bright winter citrus at the season’s peak! Earthy thyme in a buttery shortbread crust compliments the sweet without overpowering it. Enjoy this simple and delectable recipe before the end of citrus season!

    I am living for these Cara Cara orange bars with thyme shortbread crust right now!

    It’s such a blessing that peak citrus season also happens to be in the dead of winter! Gimme all those winter citrus recipes!

    Cara Cara Orange Bar Recipe

    We need a little bright.

    A little tart.

    A little sweet.

    Winter Citrus Dessert Recipes

    Ok, a lot sweet.

    And some earthiness from fresh thyme. Such a beautiful balance!

    These bars are just the tip of the citrus iceberg. I’ve also made marshmallows! And these AMAZING lemon ginger refreshers! Next up: lemon meringue pie. I’ve never made it, but I’m bound and determined.

    Stubborn Midwestern bakers will not be denied! Plus, I need to get my fill of winter citrus recipes while I can. Unlike actual winter, citrus season is far too short.

    Winter Citrus Dessert Recipes

    I created this recipe for Cara Cara Orange Bars with Thyme Shortbread Crust by simply adapting my previous Lemon Lime Bar recipe (which is just a simple riff on regular Lemon Bars! I’m telling you – all citrus, all the tiiiiiiime).

    Cara Cara Orange Bar Recipe

    Grab the original recipe here. And simply make these modifications:

    • ¾ cup freshly squeezed Cara Cara orange juice (about 4 oranges) + ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • All the zest from those juiced oranges!
    • 3 tablespoon of fresh thyme mixed into the crust.

    Then, just follow the rest of the recipe as instructed! Enjoy!

    Cara Cara Orange Bar Recipe

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    Did you love the recipe? Let me know! And let others know too by leaving a comment and star rating. Reviews are so useful in helping other people find my site and make my recipes. Your support means the world to me!

    Amanda

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    Amanda, a food photographer and recipe developer, leans against a kitchen counter. She is smiling and holding a camera. She wears a white shirt and black jeans.
    Hi! I'm Amanda, and I believe in good food for good people. I hope you enjoy the homemade recipes you'll find on my site.
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