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Orange & Chocolate Fantasy Bars: A Slice of Sunshine

There’s something magical about the combination of orange and chocolate. It reminds me of childhood Christmases, the scent of oranges mingling with the rich aroma of baking chocolate cookies filling our cozy kitchen. My grandmother, a master baker, always had a secret stash of chocolate oranges, and the first bite of this Orange & Chocolate Fantasy Bar instantly transports me back to those warm, happy memories. It’s a taste of sunshine, even on the cloudiest days.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yields: 30-36 bars
Serves: 12

Ingredients

18 ¼ ounces boxed chocolate cake mix
3 tablespoons hot cocoa mix
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup hazelnuts, roasted, coarsely chopped (may substitute with macadamia or almonds)
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (Eagle Brand recommended)
2-3 teaspoons orange rind, finely grated
1 teaspoon pure orange extract
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
⅛ teaspoon salt

Equipment Needed

13 x 9 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Small saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
Thoroughly grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. You can use butter, shortening, or a non-stick cooking spray. For extra insurance against sticking, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, hot cocoa mix, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
Using an electric mixer, blend the ingredients on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes crumbly. Be careful not to overmix; you want a texture that resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the roasted, coarsely chopped hazelnuts to the mixture and stir well to distribute them evenly. The hazelnuts add a wonderful nutty crunch that complements the chocolate and orange flavors. Feel free to substitute with macadamia nuts or almonds if you prefer.
Reserve 1 ½ cups of the cake mixture. This will be used as the topping, creating a delightful textural contrast.
Press the remaining cake mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a cohesive crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure an even layer. This crust will provide a stable base for the creamy filling.
In a small saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, bittersweet chocolate chips, and salt.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. It’s important to stir frequently to prevent the chocolate from scorching.
Once the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, remove the pan from the heat and add the orange extract and finely grated orange rind.
Stir well to incorporate the orange extract and rind evenly into the chocolate mixture. The orange zest will release its aromatic oils, infusing the filling with a vibrant citrus flavor.
Pour the chocolate-orange mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Spread it smoothly with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface.
Sprinkle the reserved cake mixture evenly over the chocolate-orange filling. This crumbly topping will add a delightful textural contrast to the bars.
Bake in the preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown and the filling is set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars; it should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Cooling allows the filling to firm up, making it easier to cut neat bars.
Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and store them at room temperature in an airtight container.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Roasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor. To roast them, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Allow them to cool slightly, then rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins.
If you find the cake mixture too dry to press into the pan, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter or vegetable oil to help bind it together.
For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of bittersweet.
To prevent the topping from browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
For perfectly even bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Orange & Chocolate Fantasy Bars are delicious served at room temperature. They make a wonderful addition to a dessert platter, a delightful treat for afternoon tea, or a satisfying snack anytime.

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	533 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	32g	49%
Saturated Fat	11g	54%
Cholesterol	27mg	9%
Sodium	468mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	63g	22%
Dietary Fiber	6g	23%
Sugars	40g	N/A
Protein	10g	20%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
Nut-Free: Omit the hazelnuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Different Citrus: Try using lemon or lime zest and extract instead of orange.
White Chocolate: Substitute white chocolate chips for the bittersweet chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
Espresso Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a mocha flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: Yes, you can use an 8×8 inch pan for thicker bars, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Simply bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of hot cocoa mix?
A: While you can, the hot cocoa mix contains added sugar and flavorings that contribute to the overall taste of the bars. If using unsweetened cocoa powder, you may want to add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the cake mix.

Q: My topping is browning too quickly. What can I do?
A: Tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent the topping from over-browning.

Q: The filling seems a bit soft after baking. Is this normal?
A: Yes, the filling will firm up as it cools. Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them to ensure they hold their shape.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give these Orange & Chocolate Fantasy Bars a try. They’re a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature version. And most importantly, enjoy the process of baking and sharing these delicious bars with your loved ones! Feel free to pair this treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee for an extra touch of indulgence. Happy baking!

Orange & Chocolate Fantasy Bar Recipe