Description
Deliciously sticky bars made with honey, almonds, and a hint of orange
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (finely grated)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sliced unblanched almonds (optional)
- 1/3 cup finely chopped candied orange peel (optional)
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
- Once honey mixture has cooled, add 1 large egg, 2 Tablespoons orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, finely grated, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. If using, add 1/2 cup sliced unblanched almonds and 1/3 cup finely chopped candied orange peel. Stir to combine.
- Add flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the dough and cover the pan with another piece of plastic wrap. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350F degrees. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and let it come to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
- Spread dough evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While bars are baking, whisk together 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 2 Tablespoons orange juice, 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Remove pan from oven and place on a wire rack. Immediately brush or spread glaze evenly over the warm bars.
- Let cool completely and allow glaze to set before cutting.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. These bars can be eaten right away but the flavor develops and improves over time. They’re best 1-2 weeks after baking.
Notes
- Chill dough overnight for best results.
- Optional ingredients can be adjusted based on personal preference.
- For additional flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg