Shake 'Em Bars
Shake 'Em Bars are tender, citrus-flavored bars with a hint of sweetness, perfect for a quick snack or dessert that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 7 x 11-inch pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, orange juice, sugar, and oil until well blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the orange juice with apple juice or yogurt for a different flavor profile. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the taste. If you want to add some texture, mix in nuts or chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. They pair well with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect snack for afternoon gatherings. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside Maple Dippers for a creative dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Shake 'Em Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness, up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shake 'Em Bars contains roughly 760 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2029mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of juice?
Yes, you can substitute orange juice with other fruit juices like apple or pineapple juice. Each will impart a unique flavor to the bars. Just ensure the juice is unsweetened to maintain the right balance of sweetness in the recipe.
What can I do if the bars are too dry?
If your Shake 'Em Bars turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking or improper measuring of flour. To prevent this, keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness a few minutes early. Adding a little more oil or a splash of juice can also help keep them moist.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bars?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Zest from an orange can also boost the citrus flavor. For a chocolatey twist, fold in mini chocolate chips before baking to add richness to the bars.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).