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Glazed Cranberry Orange Bars

Moist, buttery cake bars studded with tart cranberries and infused with fresh orange zest, topped with a sweet citrus glaze.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp orange zest freshly grated
  • 2 eggs large, room temp
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups fresh cranberries whole or chopped
Orange Glaze
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tbsp orange juice adjust for consistency
  • 1 tbsp orange zest for garnish

Equipment

  • 8x8 baking pan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, rub the orange zest into the granulated sugar with your fingers until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in the melted butter, followed by eggs, vanilla, and orange juice until smooth.
  4. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the cranberries.
  6. Spread batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together to form a glaze. Pour over cooled bars.
  8. Garnish with extra zest and berries, let set, then slice.

Notes

Rubbing the zest into the sugar is crucial for maximum flavor. Bars slice best when fully cooled and the glaze has set.