Cranberry Dream Bars
Brighten up your dessert table with these irresistible Cranberry Dream Bars, a delightful treat bursting with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and the perfect touch of sweetness. A buttery shortbread crust forms the base for this indulgent bar, topped with a creamy filling made from sweetened condensed milk and fresh cranberries, with an optional crunch of chopped pecans for added texture. The layers bake to golden perfection, infusing your kitchen with a festive aroma that screams holiday cheer. Quick to prepare and easy to serve, these vibrant bars are dusted with powdered sugar for a sparkling finish, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family treat, these Cranberry Dream Bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 14 ounces Sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups Fresh cranberries
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest
- 0.5 cups Chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter (softened), granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove it and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
In a medium bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
Fold in the fresh cranberries and, if using, the chopped pecans.
Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Optional: Once cool, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Cut into 16 squares or bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
337 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.9 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 42 mg | 14% | |
| Sodium | 91 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.9 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.7 g | ||
| Protein | 4.1 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 77 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 138 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
