Description
These festive bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a tart cranberry filling, and a sweet orange and vanilla glaze, making them a perfect treat for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the crust and crumble
- 1 cup real butter, softened (for a classic shortbread texture)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (keeps it simple)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to awaken all flavors)
For the cranberry filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw frozen cranberries first)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (adds liquid for the filling)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (to enhance flavor)
- pinch salt (to balance sweetness)
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for a smooth drizzle)
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice (to thin the glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (to warm the orange flavor)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add flour and salt, and mix until you have a soft, crumbly dough.
- Press two thirds of the dough into a lined baking pan. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.
Cranberry Filling
- In a saucepan, cook cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and a pinch of salt over medium heat, stirring often until the berries burst and thicken into a loose jam.
Assembly and Baking
- Spread the cooled cranberry mixture evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the top.
- Bake until the top is pale golden and bubbling around the edges.
Cooling and Glazing
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and vanilla until drizzleable but not watery.
- Drizzle over cooled bars and let set for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For best results, chill the bars before cutting for neat squares. They can be stored at room temperature for one day, then refrigerate. Freeze unglazed bars for best results. Thaw in the fridge overnight before glazing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
