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15 min
45 min
12 bars
Baking
Blood Orange Rooibos Bars:
Bright, citrusy, and perfectly sweet, these Blood Orange Rooibos Bars are a delicious twist on the classic lemon bar. Infused with brewed Organic Blood Orange Rooibos, this dessert brings together the naturally sweet flavor of rooibos with vibrant notes of blood orange for a refreshing and unique treat. The smooth, creamy citrus filling pairs beautifully with a buttery shortbread crust, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant. Whether you're baking for a spring gathering, afternoon tea, or simply craving something sweet and citrusy, these bars are a delightful way to enjoy the bold flavor of tea in a whole new way.
What is Rooibos?
Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea that comes from the Aspalathus linearis plant, which grows in South Africa. Unlike traditional teas that come from the Camellia sinensis plant, rooibos is technically an herbal infusion. It has a naturally smooth, slightly sweet flavor with subtle earthy notes, making it a popular base for both hot teas and creative recipes.
One of the reasons rooibos works so well in desserts is its gentle flavor and natural sweetness. In Organic Blood Orange Rooibos, the mellow taste of rooibos is paired with bright citrus elements like blood orange and orange peel, creating a refreshing and vibrant flavor profile. Because it is caffeine-free, rooibos can be enjoyed any time of day, whether brewed as a tea or incorporated into baked goods like these Blood Orange Rooibos Bars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Blood Orange Rooibos Bars are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional lemon bars. By infusing the filling with brewed Organic Blood Orange Rooibos, the dessert takes on a deeper citrus flavor that feels both refreshing and slightly floral.
You’ll love how the tea adds complexity without overpowering the dessert. The rich, buttery shortbread crust balances perfectly with the bright citrus filling, while the rooibos infusion gives the bars a unique depth that makes them stand out from typical citrus desserts.
Reasons to love this recipe:
🍊 A unique twist on classic lemon bars
🍵 Made with brewed Organic Blood Orange Rooibos for extra flavor
✨ Bright citrus flavor with a smooth, naturally sweet finish
🧁 Perfect for spring gatherings, brunch, or afternoon tea
🌿 Naturally caffeine-free thanks to rooibos tea
Ingredients
Crust
1 1/4 cup flour
⅓ cup powdered sugar
⅛ tsp salt
- 8 TBSP chilled butter cut into pieces
Filling
¼ cup fresh blood orange juice
2 teaspoon loose leaf Organic Blood Orange Rooibos
1 cup sugar
2 TBSP flour
½ tsp baking powder
2 tsp orange zest
3 eggs
Directions
Make the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350
Line an 8″ square metal baking pan with parchment paper that extends 2″ beyond the sides.
Coat with cooking spray.
In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar and salt.
Cut in the butter
Press into the bottom of the baking pan.
Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned
Make the Filling:
Heat blood orange juice
Add the loose leaf tea to the orange juice and steep for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Combine the sugar, flour, and baking powder in a bowl.
To the juice/tea mixture, add the eggs and orange zest and mix until combined.
Add the sugar mixture to the juice mixture and whisk until well combined.
Remove the crust from the oven and pour the filling onto the hot crust.
Bake for 25 minutes or until set.
Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang.
Dust with the powdered sugar, cut into 12 bars and enjoy!
FAQ
Can you bake with rooibos tea?
Yes! Rooibos tea works wonderfully in baking. Its naturally smooth and slightly sweet flavor pairs especially well with citrus, chocolate, vanilla, and spice. Brewed rooibos can be used in batters, fillings, syrups, and glazes to add subtle depth and complexity to desserts.
Does rooibos taste good with citrus?
Absolutely. Rooibos has a naturally mellow and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with bright citrus fruits like orange, lemon, and grapefruit. In this recipe, the citrus notes from blood orange complement the rooibos perfectly, creating a balanced and refreshing dessert.
Does Organic Blood Orange Rooibos contain caffeine?
No, this tea is caffeine free!
