Name: Blood Orange Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2/3 cup sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup blood orange jam; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or the seeds of 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Milk or cream to thin (about 1-2 tablespoons)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 7 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth but love a bit of tartness in your treats, the Blood Orange Crumble Bars Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Picture buttery, crumbly shortbread layers sandwiching a vibrant and tangy blood orange jam filling, all topped with a delicate glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. These bars are as stunning in flavor as they are in bright, jewel-like color, making them perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a quiet moment of pure bliss. Once you try these, they’re sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a white baking dish with three layers visible inside: the bottom layer is a smooth, bright red sauce evenly spread, the top layer consists of light beige crumbled dough or streusel spread unevenly over the red layer, with small clumps and pieces scattered around. The baking dish is placed on a wooden surface, and the dish liner is slightly peeled back on one side, showing the contents clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Blood Orange Crumble Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible vibrant color that blood oranges bring to the table.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): The star that provides richness and the tender, crumbly texture for the shortbread layers.
Sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect golden finish for the crust.
Salt (1/4 tsp): A pinch that balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and depth to both the dough and the glaze.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Creates the sturdy yet melt-in-your-mouth base and crumble topping.
Blood Orange Jam (1 cup): The vibrant, tangy core of the bars that dazzles with natural citrus flavor and bright color.
Confectioners sugar (1 cup): Used in the glaze for a smooth, sweet finish.
Vanilla bean paste or seeds (1 tsp): Offers a fragrant, aromatic note that elevates the glaze to something special.
Milk or cream (to thin): Just enough to create a drizzly glaze that pairs perfectly with the crumbly bars.

How to Make Blood Orange Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray and line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over to create handles for lifting out the bars easily once cooled. This small step makes slicing and serving a breeze later on.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer or sturdy spoon, cream the room temperature unsalted butter with the sugar until well combined and delightfully fluffy. This process incorporates air, setting the base for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Salt, Vanilla, and Flour

Blend in the salt and vanilla extract to infuse those classic warm notes. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Your mixture will be crumbly but make sure no dry pockets of flour remain—this ensures even baking without toughness.

Step 4: Form the Bottom Crust

Take about two-thirds of the dough and drop small spoonfuls evenly over the bottom of your baking pan. Then, gently pat it down with your hands or back of a spoon into an even crust. This method helps cover the pan uniformly and avoids gaps.

Step 5: Spread the Blood Orange Jam

Generously spread your luscious blood orange jam in a smooth, even layer over the prepared crust. This layer is the heart of the recipe, providing that signature burst of citrusy sweetness.

Step 6: Crumble Remaining Dough on Top

Using your fingertips, evenly crumble the remaining dough over the jam layer. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; the crumbly pieces create that irresistible texture contrast once baked.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns a lovely golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly—you’re so close to enjoying these bars!

Step 8: Prepare and Add the Glaze

After letting the bars cool completely, whisk together the confectioners sugar, vanilla bean paste, and enough milk or cream to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the bars to add a sweet, glossy finish that perfectly complements the tangy jam and buttery crust.

How to Serve Blood Orange Crumble Bars Recipe

The image shows two square bars stacked on top of each other, resting on crinkled white paper over a white marbled surface. Each bar has three layers: a firm golden brown base layer, a thin bright red jam layer in the middle, and a crumbly pale yellow topping with irregular chunky pieces. The texture of the top layer looks slightly rough and crunchy. In the background, there is a soft-focused glass container filled with creamy white milk. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, add a few delicate blood orange zest curls on top of the glaze or sprinkle with finely chopped candied orange peel. Fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing burst of color and aroma that brightens up each bite.

Side Dishes

Though these bars are a treat all on their own, they pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a decadent dessert experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream to balance the citrus tang.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a decorative platter for parties or brunches. You could even layer the crumble bars in small mason jars with whipped cream and fresh blood orange segments for a stunning individual dessert presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover blood orange crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the climate is warm, refrigerate them to keep the glaze fresh and prevent the bars from becoming too soft.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then drizzle with fresh glaze if desired.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy them warm, reheat the bars gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This warms the jam and refreshes the buttery crumble without melting the glaze too much.

FAQs

Can I use regular orange jam instead of blood orange jam?

Absolutely! While blood orange jam gives these bars their signature citrusy punch and vibrant color, regular orange or marmalade will still taste delicious though slightly less tangy.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but be mindful that texture might differ slightly. Adding a bit more butter can help keep the crumble tender.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly to prevent drying out, then proceed with assembling the bars when ready.

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

No worries! You can use the seeds scraped from a vanilla bean or simply stick to a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Each option brings a lovely subtle vanilla flavor that enhances the overall taste.

How thick should the jam layer be?

A smooth, even layer about 1/4 to 1/3 of an inch thick works best to achieve the perfect balance of tang and sweetness without overpowering the crumble crust.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about making and sharing this Blood Orange Crumble Bars Recipe. The blend of tangy blood orange jam, buttery crust, and sweet glaze creates a dessert that’s both refreshing and comforting. Give these bars a try the next time you want to impress friends or treat yourself—you won’t regret it!