Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Bars With Orange Buttercream Frosting
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) softened butter
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (or as needed)
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How to Make Apple Cranberry Bars With Orange Buttercream Frosting
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in 2 cups peeled and chopped apples, 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, and ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional).
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter and 4 ounces cream cheese until smooth.
- Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon orange zest.
- Gradually add 3-4 cups powdered sugar, adding milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) until desired consistency is reached.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
8 g
Sugar
95g
Fat
39g
Carbs
11g
