Treat yourself to cranberry bliss: discover our delicious orange zest bar recipe for a perfect fall treat!

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of cranberry bliss bars with a tantalizing twist of orange zest. This delectable recipe combines the tartness of cranberries with the vibrant aroma of oranges, creating a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

For the Cranberry Layer:

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup orange zest (from 2-3 oranges)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter pieces and use your fingers to work them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crumbs evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3. Make the cranberry layer: In a separate bowl, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cornstarch. Stir until well combined. Spread the mixture over the prepared crust.
4. Create the streusel topping: In another bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter pieces. Use your fingers to work the ingredients together until they form coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cranberry layer.
5. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cranberry layer is bubbling.
6. Cool and cut: Let the cranberry bliss bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Tips for Perfection:

• For a more intense orange flavor, use the zest of blood oranges.
• If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw them before using.
• To make the streusel topping ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, bring it to room temperature before sprinkling it over the cranberry layer.
• Serve the cranberry bliss bars warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations:

• Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for a nutty crunch.
• Replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour in both the crust and streusel topping.

Health Benefits of Cranberries:

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system.

Cranberry Bliss Bars for Special Occasions:

These cranberry bliss bars with orange zest are perfect for any special occasion, including:

• Thanksgiving
• Christmas
• Hanukkah
• Valentine’s Day
• Easter

Recommendations:

Indulge in the sweet and tart delight of cranberry bliss bars with orange zest. This delectable recipe will impress your family and friends, and it’s sure to become a favorite dessert for years to come.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: Can I make the cranberry bliss bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the bars up to 3 days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bring them to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Q: How can I store the cranberry bliss bars?
A: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw the bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit in the cranberry layer?
A: Yes, you can use any type of fruit you like, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar and cornstarch accordingly.