Cranberry-Apple Butter Bars Recipe

Name: Cranberry-Apple Butter Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
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

Servings: persons

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

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.

1242

kcal

Calories

Fat

159

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: FOR THE FILLING, 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries (or frozen), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon orange peel, grated, and more.

Yes, Cranberry-Apple Butter Bars falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cranberry-Apple Butter Bars

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions