Cranberry-Apple Butter Bars

Submitted by senseicheryl

"I found this recipe in the Pillsbury Fall Baking Booklet that I found in the checkout aisle of the grocery store. The pictures in this booklet are absolutely amazing! One medium orange will provide enough grated pell and the 1/4 cup of juice called for in this recipe. Homemade or purchased apple butter will work in this recipe."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Yields: 32 bars
• Serves: 32

ingredients

• FOR THE FILLING

• 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries (or frozen)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange peel, grated
• 1⁄4 cup orange juice
• 1⁄2 cup apple butter
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine

• FOR THE BASE AND TOPPING

• 3⁄4 cup butter, softened or 3/4 cup margarine
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1⁄4 cups quick-cooking oats

directions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 13 x 9-inch pan with cooking spray.
2. In 4-quart saucepan, mix cranberries, granulated sugar, orange peel and orange juice. Heat to boiling over heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until cranberries pop and lose their round shape and mixture thickens. Stir in apple butter and 2 tablespoons butter; remove from heat.
3. In large bowl, beat 3/4 cup butter and the brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until fluffy. Stir in flour, salt, baking soda and oats. Press 3 cups oat mixture in pan.
4. Spread cranberry filling over base. Crumble remaining 2 cups oat mixture over filling; press lightly.
5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour 30 minutes. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows.

Reviews

[cookandbaker]

This recipe is truly one of the best I've ever tasted. I got my copy out of the same Pillsbury cookbooklet. I make this at least once a year, and this time of year just wouldn't be the same without these bars! The apple butter combined with the fresh cranberries is what gives this recipe its spectacular flavor. I love this recipe---try it, you'll be glad you did!!