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No Spoon Necessary

Seasonal Recipes & Unique Twists on Classic Dishes

Blood Orange Bars Recipe

Published February 2, 2016. Last Updated May 3, 2020 by Cheyanne

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A twist on classic Lemon Bars, these Blood Orange Bars have a silky, creamy, tart custard top and a buttery, cake-like shortbread crust. Your Valentine is sure to love these dreamy bars!Straight on shot of a stack of 3 Blood Orange Bars with Bourbon Vanilla Bean on a brown plate with blood oranges and a small glass milk jug blurred in the background.45 degree angle shot of blood oranges and bourbon vanilla beans on a deep red surface.Hi, Friends!

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? I know it’s a mixed review kind of day.

When I was a teen I wasn’t the biggest fan and now, despite being married, I am pretty indifferent about the holiday. It just feels rather commercialized. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love all the hearts, cubby angels, sprinkles, conversation candies and pink. But, I am allergic to chocolate, and watching everyone else devour heart shaped Stover’s or Godiva boxes filled with delicious confections is not at the top of my list as fun.

Plus, Flowers aren’t really my thing, because they just end up dead in a few days. And, I rarely wear jewelry.

Now, if the mister wants to take me on a romantic vacation, I would certainly be down to celebrate Cupid’s holiday! (Note to my other half – Hawaii is beautiful year round.)Overhead, up-close shot of a Blood Orange Bar with Bourbon Vanilla Bean on a wire rack with other bars and a blood orange half peaking out in the corners of the shot.

Since I figured most food bloggers would be sharing red velvet covered everything, I wanted to do something different.

Something I could actually eat.

But, it needed to be deliciously divine and worthy of the holiday made to celebrate love (or bling bling).

And since I have been adding blood orange to all the things, I decided to do a spin on one of my favorite treats, Lemon Bars.

Straight on shot of Blood Orange Bars with Bourbon Vanilla Bean on a wire cooling rack with blood oranges and a small glass milk jugs blurred in the background.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

  • Blood Orange Bars with Bourbon Vanilla Bean
    • Blood Orange Bars {with Bourbon Vanilla Bean}
      • Ingredients
      • Instructions
      • Notes
      • Nutrition
      • You Might Also Like…

Blood Orange Bars with Bourbon Vanilla Bean

These blood orange bars are every bit as tantalizing as the original and then some.

The blood orange custard on top is silky, creamy, tart, sweet, slightly sour and perfectly spiked with specks of bourbon vanilla bean.

The shortbread crust is bodaciously buttery with a cake-like crumble that holds together.

These little bars are like portable mini pies packed with dreamy, citrusy flavor.

And fair warning, they are seriously addicting.

Can’t just have one? More like, can’t just have the whole pan! 😉 Overhead shot of Blood Orange Bars with Bourbon Vanilla Bean on a piece of parchment paper with a few of the bars turned on their sides; and blood oranges and a small glass milk jugs in the corners of the shot.

Until Thursday, friends, cheers and warm wishes for a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

XOXO

Cheyanne

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45 degree angle shot of a stack of 3 Blood Orange Bars with Bourbon Vanilla Bean on a brown plate with blood oranges and a small glass milk jug blurred in the background.

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Blueberry Crumb Bars

Strawberry Shortcake Sundae

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The Best Blood Orange Bars Recipe  👇

Overhead shot of Blood Orange Bars with Bourbon Vanilla Bean on a wire rack with blood orange halves surrounding the rack.
Print Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Blood Orange Bars {with Bourbon Vanilla Bean}

A twist on classic Lemon Bars, these Blood Orange Bars have a silky, creamy, tart custard top and a buttery, cake-like shortbread crust. Your Valentine is sure to love these dreamy bars!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time50 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bars, blood orange, crust, orange, shortbread
Servings: 16
Calories: 239kcal
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth

Ingredients

  • Blood Orange Curd:
  • 6 TBS Unsalted Butter – cubed and chilled
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 2 Blood Oranges – zest and juice (about ½ Cup of juice)
  • 1 Bourbon Vanilla Bean – split and seeded
  • Shortbread Crust:
  • 1 ½ Sticks Unsalted Butter – softened (12 TBS)
  • 2 ½ TBS Granulated Sugar
  • 2 ½ TBS Confectioner’s Sugar – plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/3 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • ¼ tsp Kosher Salt

Instructions

  • Make the Blood Orange Curd: Whisk together the sugar and eggs in a 1 ½ -2 quart saucepan until smooth. Add in the orange zest and juice. Stir. Place pan over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 12-15 minutes (should be the consistency of thin pudding). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean seeds. Add in butter, a few cubes at a time, stirring between each addition, until smooth*. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours- up to overnight.
  • Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8x8’’ baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Make the Shortbread Crust: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a regular bowl with a hand held mixer) beat together the butter, and both sugars on medium-high speed until completely combined and it resembles frosting. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add in the flour and salt. Beat on low speed until all the flour is just incorporated and the mixtures comes together. Transfer the dough to prepared baking pan and press into bottom (spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent dough from sticking).
  • Bake until lightly golden and crust is set, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let crust cool slightly, for about 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees. Pour orange curd over crust and continue to bake until edges are set center is still jiggly, about 18-25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Transfer to refrigerator to chill until completely firm.
  • To serve, cut into squares and dust with confectioner’s sugar.

Notes

*I added 3 drops of pink food coloring to slightly enhance color. You can add more or none depending on preference.
*You can strain the orange curd through a fine mesh strainer for a smoother consistency. I did not do this.
*heavily adapted from Saveur’s Lemon Bars

Nutrition

Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 29mg | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 495IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.6mg

©No Spoon Necessary.  All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use any images without prior permission. If you want to reference this recipe please do so by linking directly to this post.

Overhead shot of Blood Orange Bars with Bourbon Vanilla Bean on a piece of parchment paper with blood oranges and a small glass milk jugs in the upper corners of the shot.

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Comments

  1. Ben Maclain says

    February 8, 2016 at 11:17 pm

    5 stars
    Chey, remember – you can always indulge yourself with white chocolate! But honestly, with these luscious blood orange bars, no chocolate needed on a Valentine’s Day! Indeed, what a fabulous recipe. And there’s my prediction. It’s going to be one of the most (if not the most) popular recipes on your blog this year. It has to.

    Reply
  2. Claudia | The Brick kitchen says

    February 6, 2016 at 12:40 am

    Hold on – you’re allergic to chocolate?!? I suppose at least you have these incredible blood orange bars – loving the specks of vanilla bean in there especially. I am very much in the non-Valentine camp haha- both being single and also because it just seems to be a huge tide of commercialism and fakeness – I mean, if you really love somebody, shouldn’t you be showing your love everyday? Why go over the top on February 14th? Anyway, I really need to get my hands on some blood oranges and give these a go, they look spectacular! xx

    Reply
  3. Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says

    February 5, 2016 at 1:16 pm

    These bars look amazing, Cheyanne!! I love that you went against the grain and did something other than chocolate or red velvet. These bars are beautiful and so creative. I can just see how moist and gooey they are…deliciousss!! Also, I am with you on the romantic vacation…I’ll take that over chocolate and flowers anyday! 😉

    Reply
  4. Keri @ Fashionable Foods says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:59 am

    I feel the same about Valentine’s Day – I enjoy it to an extent, but I’m pretty indifferent about it! Although I do wear (and love) jewelry, my fiancé knows that a gallon of imported olive oil makes my day! Seriously, he bought me that once and I was beyond excited, everyone was like “he got you what?” hahaha. Anywayyyyy, lemon bars are my FAV and I never would have though to do a blood orange bar! I love all things blood orange and these just look like the perfect treat for V-Day! Pinned!

    Reply
  5. karrie @ Tasty Ever After says

    February 4, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    5 stars
    Blood oranges are my favorite and love when they arrive each season. These bars look amazing! J would love for me to make these for him for Valentines Day. BTW, I need to go on vaca too so let’s go to Hawaii together and leave the boys at home. lol!

    Reply
  6. Natasha @ Salt and Lavender says

    February 4, 2016 at 10:24 am

    5 stars
    These look soo yummy! Love your twist on these bars.

    Reply
  7. Jessica DeMay says

    February 3, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    These look amazing Cheyenne!! I actually like citrus more than chocolate, so these are right up my alley! Your pictures are gorgeous and those little flacks of vanilla make me want one right now 🙂

    Reply
  8. My Dish is Bomb says

    February 3, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    5 stars
    Hahah!! I totally can’t keep flowers alive, either. I recently got an orchid as a gift and those are supposed to be the easiest but…I killed it. Love the flavours in here and you know I love anything with bourbon!!

    Reply
  9. Meghan | Fox and Briar says

    February 3, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    5 stars
    I had no idea you were allergic to chocolate! That is horrible :/ BUT with these blood orange bars you probably don’t even miss it! Holy WOW! These babies are beautiful, and no doubt I could eat them all. Just give me a pan of these and a bottle of wine on Valentine’s Day and I’ll be good. 😉 Pinning these!

    Reply
  10. Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cotted says

    February 3, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    Wow, these look and sound amazing. I love blood oranges, custard, vanilla bean and buttery shortbread so this is a definite winner for Valentines Day or anytime. My husband and I are over the Valentines hype, I’ll make a special dinner/dessert but thats about it. I hear you on the allergy front, my allergy is onion and I miss them like crazy, especially when someone orders onion rings. Cool giveaway! Take care.

    Reply
  11. [email protected] says

    February 3, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    Everything about these bars, from their color to their texture, looks amazing!

    Reply
  12. Amanda says

    February 3, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    Not only do these bars look amazing, but it just sounds awesome to say “blood orange curd”. This is definitely a bar I wouldn’t mind eating on Valentine’s Day or any other day. I’m a sucker for shortbread!

    Reply
  13. [email protected] says

    February 3, 2016 at 2:09 pm

    I so…identify with you about Valentine’s day. And, I constantly tell my husband that I don’t like cut flowers because they just die and it’s so, so sad. But, Valentine’s day could be a good excuse to make these delicious bars. Clever adaptation.

    Reply
  14. Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says

    February 3, 2016 at 1:59 pm

    Blood orange is my new favorite ingredient! And these bars look magical.

    Reply
  15. Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says

    February 3, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    I love your little messages in there to your husband! I try to do the same thing in case he happens to read it. You never know what will happen! I’m sure Hawaii would be lovely this time of the year 😉

    Reply
  16. Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says

    February 3, 2016 at 11:41 am

    I didn’t know you are allergic to chocolate?! I honestly feel myself favoring citrus over chocolate more and more anyway — maybe it’s because my palate is so much more mature now! LOl. Riiiiight. I do LOVE anything citrus though and I would take a big plate of these for Valentine’s Day!

    Reply
  17. Jen | Baked by an Introvert says

    February 3, 2016 at 10:56 am

    I just made some blood orange bars yesterday!! Great minds think alike. Although, yours are much more gourmet than mine. Love that you included bourbon!!

    Reply
  18. Kate @ Framed Cooks says

    February 3, 2016 at 7:27 am

    You and I are on the same wavelength (as usual!) – I just made bourbon brownies!! I love Valentine’s Day, mainly because it is my romantic Southern husband’s favorite holiday. We are taking a long weekend down in Philly – I can’t wait! Meantime I am pinning this deliciousness because I know he will love them. Cheers my dear!

    Reply
  19. Thao @ In Good Flavor says

    February 3, 2016 at 1:35 am

    So here are two other things we have in common—other than one small pair of diamond studs, I rarely wear jewelry—not even my wedding ring. I love flowers but don’t really care to receive them as gifts because they can cost a lot and die too quickly. How funny is that? As for Valentines’s day, the hubs and I feel the same as you about it. I’m loving your blood orange twist on lemon bars! I just want to sink my teeth into that luscious silky, creamy, tart, sweet, slightly sour curd layer! My mouth automatically started watering as soon as I read your description. And adding BOURBON vanilla beans is such a great idea! Thanks for doing the giveaway! Im going to give it a try. Wish me luck!

    Reply
  20. allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says

    February 2, 2016 at 10:52 pm

    5 stars
    Hey girl, how are you? My memories of Cupid’s Day growing up revolve around sitting at the kitchen table with my brothers and sisters making valentines for each other, construction paper and doilies, to be presented at the dinner table with dessert. Which was always a cherry almond cake that my mom made. Heart shaped of course. The memorable time was when my brother was in a fight with everyone and instead of saying I love you on them, he said the opposite. There, I said it. Kind of funny in hindsight. So on to “sweeter” things. Ahem. Anything with vanilla beans is tops on my list, and such a delicious combo with blood orange too. These bars rock. I didn’t know you were allergic to chocolate. That, is not fair, sorry you have to endure that. Cheers my dear, to these decadent bars and true love, not commercialism! XOXO

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 8:01 pm

      Your Valentines day growing up sounds wonderful (minus the fighting), and that cake sounds delish! You should share that on your blog!! I know you love vanilla beans because of your wonderful homemade extract! 🙂 Thank you so much for the sweet comment, doll.
      P.S. YES being allergic to cocoa does suck.
      Cheers, my dear! XO

      Reply
  21. mira says

    February 2, 2016 at 9:18 pm

    I love blood oranges! This is so creative! Love the idea! These bars are a must try, perfect for Valentine’s day! I need to finally make some desserts!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:59 pm

      Thank you so much, Mira! Blood oranges rock, right? Hope if you make desserts you post them (so I can drool)!! Cheers, girlfriend! 🙂

      Reply
  22. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    February 2, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    Absolutely perfect. Love the orange flavour (and colour!) and those little flecks of vanilla are so pretty. And of course, the booze 😉

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:58 pm

      Thank you so much, Jennifer! Booze and beans never hurt anybody! 😉 Cheers, friend!

      Reply
  23. Rachel @ Bakerita says

    February 2, 2016 at 7:47 pm

    These are gorgeous bars, Cheyanne! I love the vanilla bean specks. I tried making blood orange bars today and failed miserably – I swear, I’m cursed. Whenever I try lemon bars or anything similar, all goes to hell and the crust usually ends up on top. So weird! Yours are MUCH more beautiful! Haha! I should try your recipe 🙂 those blood oranges are too gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:57 pm

      Thank you, Rachel! I’m so sorry your bars failed! I hate kitchen fails, although they happen to the best of us! I wonder why your crust ends up on top… do you par cook the crust first? Hmm.. I’m no expert, sooo. 😉 Anyways, thanks for the love, doll! Cheers!

      Reply
  24. Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet says

    February 2, 2016 at 6:23 pm

    5 stars
    Oh wow, Cheyanne! These are the most beautiful bars! I bet they taste as amazing as they look, too! You can’t go wrong with Hawaii or these bars. Cheers to having both! 😀

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:56 pm

      Thanks Lauren! Hawaii is wishful thinking… but doesn’t hurt, right? 😉 Cheers, doll! xo

      Reply
  25. Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com says

    February 2, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    i love lemon bars and and your blood orange twist sounds divine. i usually fall into the chocolate camp for valentine’s day but you have inspired me to mix it up! i can’t wait for your Valentine’s Day drink! That’s how I like to celebrate!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:54 pm

      My husband falls into the chocolate camp, so no judgement here! Thanks for the comment, Cathy! And YES to V-day drinks, that’s how I roll too! 😉 Cheers!

      Reply
  26. Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says

    February 2, 2016 at 5:41 pm

    I’m pretty indifferent on Valentine’s day, too…I feel like I get set up for disappointment 😉 These bars look TOO GOOD! Love that you adapted the lemon bar so creatively 🙂

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:53 pm

      SO true, Denise! I should just buy myself a little something for Valentines day. lol. Thank for the sweet comment, dear! Cheers! 😉

      Reply
  27. [email protected] says

    February 2, 2016 at 5:23 pm

    Oh my word these bars! They sound amazing. Heavenly. I want one!!!

    I’m pretty indifferent on valentine’s day – it’s pretty much like any other day except maybe the husband cooks instead of me 🙂 haha

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:52 pm

      Thank you, Ashley! Glad we are in the same indifferent boat! I need to talk the husband into cooking – so thanks for that idea! lol. Cheers, girlie! 🙂

      Reply
  28. Ramona @ The Merchant Baker says

    February 2, 2016 at 5:22 pm

    Wow, these look so good! I adore lemon curd and the blood orange just has my mouth watering! I love this sophisticated twist on one of my favorite desserts!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:52 pm

      Thank you so much, Ramona!! Cheers! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Megan - The Emotional Baker says

    February 2, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    I’m indifferent too! I love the idea of V day, but I never do anything super special. A lemon bar using blood orange is genius – totally in love with these! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:51 pm

      Thank you, Megan! For some reason your comment came through twice. So thank you – twice! 😉

      Reply
  30. Kelly says

    February 2, 2016 at 4:57 pm

    These bars are stunning, Cheyanne! Citrus desserts are my favorite so I love that you shared these instead. The addition of bourbon and vanilla sound sensational!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:50 pm

      I love citrus desserts too, Kelly! (or is that obvious?) Thank you so much for the sweet comment, my dear! Cheers!

      Reply
  31. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    February 2, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    Perfect treat for the non-chocolate lover in the family Cheyanne! Those little specks of vanilla just look wonderful! Anything blood orange this time of year brings a smile to my face!! And these sound perfect! LOVE the shortbread crust!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:49 pm

      Thank you so much, Mary Ann! I love specks of vanilla bean – so pretty! Cheers, friend!

      Reply
  32. Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says

    February 2, 2016 at 3:10 pm

    Ok, first of all – blood oranges are one of my favorite fruits! I had them for the fist time in Sicily and was hooked instantly! So not only do I love their flavor, but they always bring such wonderful memories! And second, holy cr*p, Cheyanne – these look moist! I love the added bourbon and vanilla. You’re really living up to the homestead namesake 🙂

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:48 pm

      Aren’t blood oranges amazing?! Their season is too short! I have always wanted to go to Sicily- SO JEALOUS! Thanks so much for the comment doll! I’m totally trying to live up to the house name! 😉 Cheers, sweets! <3

      Reply
  33. Mir says

    February 2, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    Oh my goodness, these are gorgeous! And I’m so excited that you made a dessert. Trust you to do a total showstopper when you get the chance! Love this. I’m all for the romantic vacation, so make the Boy do that!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:47 pm

      Well thank you so much, Mir! You are entirely too sweet! I am telling Boy you said he MUST take me on a vacay. 😉 Cheers doll!

      Reply
  34. Shashi at RunninSrilankan says

    February 2, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    Oh And thanks so much for this amazing giveaway!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:46 pm

      Good luck!! 😉

      Reply
  35. Shashi at RunninSrilankan says

    February 2, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    I think V-day is rather commercialized, myself – though when my daughter was younger we used to go all out! Now all she wants is to hit the stores the day after Valentine’s to score some chocolate deals! I dunno who she gets it from!?!?! 🙂
    BTW, Cheyanne these bars sound delectable – that blood orange custard is so creamy – the perfect pairing with that base!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:46 pm

      If we had children I’d probably feel different about V-day. Your daughter sounds like she has the right idea about scoring after holiday chocolate deals! She TOTALLY gets it from her mama! 😉 Thanks so much for the sweet comment, my dear! Cheers! <3

      Reply
  36. Megan - The says

    February 2, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    I’m indifferent too! I love the idea of V day, but I never do anything super special. A lemon bar using blood orange is genius – totally in love with these 🙂

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:44 pm

      The idea of Valentines day is nice, isn’t it? Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Megan! Cheers, friend! 🙂

      Reply
  37. Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says

    February 2, 2016 at 2:10 pm

    I usually get a ton of blood oranges from a friend’s tree every year! Can’t wait to try these! I love the combo with the vanilla!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:42 pm

      Okay, I need a friend like yours! 😉 Thanks so much for the comment, Jess! Cheers!

      Reply
  38. Asha says

    February 2, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    5 stars
    These bars looks amazing girlfriend. I am so glad you chose this..;). Love everything about it.
    Pinning for sure.
    I am quite with you about Vday. Definitely it’s commercialized a bit more. We don’t need just one day to give flowers or be nice. In fact I am a bit of a rebel/snob when these things are concerned.
    That said, I don’t mind food any time, desserts any day.
    Btw, I just added your jack daniels to the horsdevours feed.
    Have a wonderful week my dear.

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:41 pm

      I’m with you on celebrating loved ones daily, and not just on one day… and it’s quite annoying how commercialized holidays are. BUT, I totally don’t mind food or desserts any day, especially if Boy wants to cook on Valentines day. 😉
      Thank you so much for the sweet comment and pin, Asha!
      P.S. SO honored to be included in the Feed Feed!! Cheers doll! <3

      Reply
  39. Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says

    February 2, 2016 at 1:51 pm

    5 stars
    Soooo good, Cheyanne – love that you’re mixing up valentine’s day and doing something a little bit different. I’m about to get my fruit of the month gift from Harry and David – and this month is citrus – so will be whipping up a batch of these beauties!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:39 pm

      Thank you so much, Geraldine! A Harry and David fruit of the month sounds amazing… I need to sign up for that!! If you get a good fruit and make these with it I’d love to hear how it goes! Cheers, friend! 🙂

      Reply
  40. Zainab says

    February 2, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    You had me at blood oranges but then the whole bourbon and vanilla bean just sealed the deal. I need to make these!! Pinning for later. I don’t care either way for Vday but I love the idea of celebrating loved ones. To be honest every holiday in America is commercialized. Whether it’s Christmas, Halloween, Mothers Day or Super Bowl, it’s all about money and shoving things in people’s faces. But we all feel differently about the holidays based on our personal celebrations or beliefs.

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:20 pm

      I see that we are blood orange twinning this week!! #GreatMinds!! Thanks so much for the sweet comment and pin, Zainab!
      P.S. I couldn’t agree more about all holidays being commercialized! 😉 Sad but true.

      Reply
  41. Kevin | Keviniscooking says

    February 2, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    5 stars
    WOAH! Yes, I meant that in all caps as in I literally said that out loud as I saw this in Feedly – still on email, but we will see with your next post ;).
    Love seeing all those lovely vanilla bean seeds laced in that luscious blood orange custard. Pinned and definitely going to make this one for Game Day, thanks buddy.
    P.S. V-Day isn’t that of a biggie over here either and for just about all of the same reasons you noted. Besides we love to travel like you mentioned and are hitting up India for our 35th next month. Can’t wait to explore and celebrate the Holi Festival of Colors.
    #BodaciouslyButtery

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 7:18 pm

      Lol, Thank you so much for the kind comment and pin, Kevin! I am SUPER jealous of your upcoming trip! Hope you share pics on social media so I can be green with envy! 35 years is a long time!! Happy early anniversary! Cheers, buddy! 😉

      Reply
  42. Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says

    February 2, 2016 at 12:29 pm

    I have never baked with blood oranges, but thats need to change now. These bars look super moist and delish. Love that ooey gooey top!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 5:26 pm

      You should definitely bake with blood oranges, Anu – SO GOOD! Thanks for the comment love! Cheers!

      Reply
  43. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    February 2, 2016 at 11:17 am

    Love citrusy desserts…sweet and tangy..a fantastic combo!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      Me too! Thanks so much for the comment, Angie!! Cheers!

      Reply
  44. Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says

    February 2, 2016 at 11:16 am

    These bars are gorgeous, Cheyanne! Love blood oranges! I’d take these bars over chocolate or red velvet any day! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 5:25 pm

      Thank you so much, Jess! Obviously I’d take these over chocolate too. 😉 Cheers!

      Reply
  45. Linda | The Baker Who Kerns says

    February 2, 2016 at 11:03 am

    I love that you are going against the norms of Valentine’s Day!! Unfortunately I really don’t like this ‘holiday’ mostly because I’ve never had the chance to participate in it due to my not so good luck with relationships – BUT it does remind me that YOU are the longest relationship you will ever have and are currently in so maybe I should celebrate my relationship with me haha. And these bars definitely sound like a wonderful way to treat myself!! I love seeing those flecks of vanilla in there! YuM!!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      So glad you like that i’m going against the norms of Vday! You aren’t bad at relationships, Linda – you just haven’t met the right person yet!! 😉 And so true, loving yourself is the most important thing! Thanks for the comment, my dear! Cheers!

      Reply
  46. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

    February 2, 2016 at 11:02 am

    I just bought some fresh blood oranges yesterday and these bars look incredible! I love the addition of bourbon and vanilla. I’ll be dreaming about these bars all day!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 5:23 pm

      Yay to fresh blood oranges! Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Ashley! Cheers!

      Reply
  47. Harriet Emily says

    February 2, 2016 at 10:39 am

    Wow these look incredible Cheyanne! The blood orange curd sounds so amazing!!! I love the addition of bourbon vanilla too, it’s my favourite – I am obsessed with vanilla! <3 These are so perfect for valentines day 🙂

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 5:22 pm

      Thank you so much, Harriet! I was definitely eating the curd plain… so I had to make more! 😉 Cheers, sweets! <3

      Reply
  48. Melanie @ Melanie Cooks says

    February 2, 2016 at 10:38 am

    5 stars
    I love baked goodies with citrus! The blood oranges are gorgeous! These bars look amazing – a perfect dessert for Valentine’s day!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 5:21 pm

      Baked goodies with citrus are the best, right?! Thanks so much for the comment, Melanie! Cheers!

      Reply
  49. [email protected] says

    February 2, 2016 at 10:14 am

    5 stars
    I’m a bit of a romantic at heart – so yeah, I think it’s a sweet day. But I don’t need the candy or the flowers – a nice meal, a bottle of wine, a funny card and these bars – I’ll be good to go! My mouth is watering just thinkin’ about them in all their blood-orange-y goodness! Great minds think alike…I have a bar recipe for later in the week! Thanks for sharing this divine recipe, my dear! Cheers!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      What you like for Vday sounds PERFECT to me! Thank so much for the comment love, Annie! I’m looking forward to your bar recipe!!! Cheers, mi-lady! <3

      Reply
  50. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    February 2, 2016 at 10:11 am

    5 stars
    People are always so mixed about Valentine’s Day, but I think that any excuse to show each other that you love each other should be embrace. Plus, it’s an excuse for more chocolate.
    My husband would love it if I served these up after dinner.

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 3, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      So true, Dannii… but I think we should show the people we love that we love them daily – not just on one day. 😉 Thanks for the comment love, my dear! Cheers!

      Reply
  51. Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says

    February 2, 2016 at 9:37 am

    5 stars
    I’m also kinda ‘eh’ on Valentine’s Day – always have been. It’s a bit more fun now with the kiddos, who are very into it! I’m not very crafty, but I can cut out some construction paper hearts and slap on a few stickers. They’re impressed, so hey 😉
    However, I also love all the fun food – more treats, fancy meals – that come with the holiday and these blood orange bars look amazing! That buttery crust! That bright citrus flavor! Hubs and I both adore blood oranges so these are going to work very well for our little celebration. Particularly because they have bourbon. You put bourbon in it, and I’m so there!
    As for free money, who couldn’t use some of that! I live on Amazon these days (thank you, I will take delivery straight to my door step) and mama could use some new fun kitchen things, a few books, maybe a fun bag? OK, OK, maybe a couple of goodies for the kids, too. 😉 Possibilities are endless!
    Cheers girl!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:19 pm

      If we had kids I think I would be more into Valentines Day… although I’m not crafty either! But I can try! 😉 Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Kathryn! Fingers are crossed you win the gift card!! Cheers, my dear! <3

      Reply
  52. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says

    February 2, 2016 at 9:27 am

    I keep buying blood oranges to try to bake something with them and Chris keeps eating them! These bars are a perfect use of such an interesting seasonal fruit. Valentine’s Day isn’t a huge deal to us, but we usually just go to our favorite family owned small Ethiopian restaurant or make something at home because we never plan far enough in advance to make reservations. I’d totally be down with a trip to Hawaii though! P.S. I soak vanilla beans in bourbon when I make my signature Vanilla Bean Bourbon Oak Porter, but I’ve never thought to use it in food! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      You need to lock those dang blood oranges up, Rachelle. Going to an Ethiiopian restaurant for Vday sounds like fun! Too bad we don’t live close enough to crash your party! 😉 Soaking vanilla beans in bourbon sounds awesome… the ones I used were store bought, but you can bet I’m about to get my bean and bourbon soaking on! And send me some of that porter! STAT! Cheers, doll! xo

      Reply
  53. Sues says

    February 2, 2016 at 8:35 am

    I need to go on a hunt for blood oranges this weekend!! These look delicious and I love the little vanilla bean specks in them!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:13 pm

      Thank you so much Sues! Good luck in your hunt, may the blood orange force be with you! 😉 Cheers!

      Reply
  54. [email protected] says

    February 2, 2016 at 8:35 am

    These blood orange bars look amazing! Seriously!!
    And “ditto” to taking me on a romantic vacation. That would be the ultimate Vday present… 🙂
    ps. you´re allergic to chocolate..?? NO!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:11 pm

      Thank you so much, Johlene! I doubt I will get a vacay, so I’m still going to live vicariously through you!! 😉 And yes, I know my allergy suuuuucks! 🙁 Guess I will have to eat chocolate vicariously through you as well. Ha! Cheers, girl.

      Reply
  55. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says

    February 2, 2016 at 7:44 am

    Gosh I love lemon bars so I’m certain these blood orange bars would be delicious too! I’m not certain how easy it would be to find blood oranges here….I will have to look!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:07 pm

      Yay to lemon bar love! If I can find blood oranges out here, I am hoping you can find some Kathy, because they are SOOO good! Love citrus season! Thanks for the comment! Cheers!

      Reply
  56. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    February 2, 2016 at 7:16 am

    I’m pretty much indifferent about Valentine’s Day, too! My husband and I celebrate by ordering a heart-shaped pizza every year, our special tradition! But that’s about all we do…I’m not big on the candy and cards, although I do love everything pink and red this time of year! 🙂 I would gladly devour these bars, though. Love that you made them with blood oranges! I’m not actually a fan of lemon desserts (shocking, right?) so this sounds perfect! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:05 pm

      A heart shaped Pizza sounds like a fabulous tradition, Gayle! I wonder if any place around here does that? Have to check that out!! I had no clue you don’t like lemon desserts! Send me all of yours! 😉 Thanks for the comment love and pin, friend! Cheers!

      Reply
  57. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    February 2, 2016 at 6:38 am

    I’m leaving another comment b/c I am entering the giveaway!!! Not sure what I would do with the $1,000 but I would most certainly be buying gifts and probably more things for my kitchen!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:02 pm

      Hope you win, Alice!! *fingers crossed*

      Reply
  58. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    February 2, 2016 at 6:36 am

    Cheyanne,
    I’m the same way with Valentine’s Day but if you guys ever have kids, it might become a more exciting holiday for you. . for them, we get to make valentine’s day cards for their classmates and treats .. so they love it . . and seeing them get excited makes me excited. 🙂 I LOVE these blood orange bars!!! and I don’t know if I’ve ever used a Bourbon Vanilla Bean!!! Need to find that! I bet the flavor is amazing!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:02 pm

      I’m sure if we had children I would feel differently, Alice! All the cute little cards and baking would be fun! I used to LOVE that when I was little!! You need to find Bourbon Vanilla Beans– if I can find them out here in the boonies, I know you can find them! Thanks for the comment, my dear! Cheers! <3

      Reply
  59. Lisa | Chocolate Meets Strawberry says

    February 2, 2016 at 4:55 am

    These don’t look like your average kind of bars. Nope, they look so much better! What an awesome flavour combination. Blood orange is such an intriguing fruit, and most definitely underrated! Such a gorgeous colour, and I love that you can see the little bits of vanilla bean all throughout, Cheyanne!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 5:01 pm

      Thank you so much, Lisa! Blood Orange is definitely underrated, and when it’s in season I can’t stop myself from eating them by the basket full! Cheers, friend!

      Reply
  60. Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says

    February 2, 2016 at 4:27 am

    5 stars
    These bars look absolutely scrumptious! I love the flavours going on here! YUM!

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 4:59 pm

      Thanks so much, Marsha! Cheers! 🙂

      Reply
  61. Adina says

    February 2, 2016 at 2:49 am

    This post reminds me that I’ve been meaning to make some lemon/orange bars again for a long time now. Your recipe sounds great and I can just imagine the taste. And I will be ignoring Valentine on my blog (maybe with one tiny exception, I’ll see). Even though I don’t find it bad to have an extra day to purposely celebrate love, I also think that the whole Valentine moment is kind of ruined due to extrem commercialization.

    Reply
    • Cheyanne Bany says

      February 2, 2016 at 4:58 pm

      I forget about Lemon Bars too, until I make them… and then I get on a kick and make them multiple times! 😉 No judgement here for ignoring Valentine’s Day – Do you, girl! Thanks so much for the comment, Adina! Cheers!

      Reply

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About me

Welcome to No Spoon Necessary! My name is Cheyanne - I am the blogger and girl behind the camera. I'm a culinary school graduate with a degree in culinary arts, and I have years of experience in a professional kitchen. I have a passion for seasonal ingredients and I believe anyone can create sensational food! Thank you for stopping by! I hope you stay awhile!

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