Orange Chocolate Nanaimo Bars

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 18x28 cm baking dish with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

   Tip: Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step.

4. 4

   Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the orange juice and orange zest.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and powdered sugar.

6. 6

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until well combined.

   Tip: Be careful not to overmix.

7. 7

   Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.

   Tip: Stir in the melted chocolate until well combined.

8. 8

   Press half of the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking dish.

9. 9

   Spread the orange butter mixture over the chocolate layer.

10. 10

    Press the remaining chocolate mixture over the orange butter layer.

11. 11

    Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares and serving.