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Cranberry Orange Crumb Bars

Cranberry Orange Crumb Bars for a Festive Sweet Treat

Enjoy these Cranberry Orange Crumb Bars, a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors for festive gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Can replace with coconut sugar.
  • 1/2 cup Butter Or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar Or erythritol for a low-sugar option.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
  • 1 large Egg Or flax egg for a vegan alternative.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor.
For the Cranberry Swirl
  • 2 cups Cranberries Frozen can be used if fresh are unavailable.
  • 1 tbsp Orange Zest Lemon zest can be used for variation.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Reserved Crumb Mixture Leftover crumb from crust preparation.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Square baking dish
  • parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside some for topping.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Blend cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy in a separate bowl.
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. Cook for about 10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, then spoon the cranberry sauce on top and swirl together.
  6. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the cranberry layer for topping.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until edges are golden and filling is set.
  8. Let the bars cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill your bars before cutting for clean slices. Avoid over-baking the crust for optimal texture. Use quality ingredients for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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