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.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 16

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove it and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.

Step 6

Fold in the fresh cranberries and, if using, the chopped pecans.

Step 7

Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 10

Optional: Once cool, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Step 11

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

Serving size	(1442.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4382.0

Total Fat 173.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 81.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 382.9mg	0%
Sodium 1712.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 673.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.4g	0%
Total Sugars 451.7g
Protein 64.8g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 1266.4mg	0%
Iron 14.5mg	0%
Potassium 2347.3mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.6%

Protein: 5.7%

Carbs: 59.7%