Apple Cranberry Bars With Orange Buttercream Frosting

🍏🍒 Apple Cranberry Bars With Orange Buttercream Frosting 🍊🧁

What is it?
Apple Cranberry Bars with Orange Buttercream Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples and cranberries with a creamy, citrusy frosting. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as a dessert at a holiday gathering or enjoying it with a cup of tea.

History:
The exact origin of this specific dessert is unclear, but it draws inspiration from classic apple and cranberry desserts that have been enjoyed for generations. The addition of orange buttercream frosting adds a modern twist and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Components:

1. For the Bars:

   • Apples: Typically Granny Smith apples are used for their tartness and firm texture.
   • Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries provide a tart contrast to the sweet apples.
   • Sugar: Used for sweetness.
   • Flour: As a base for the bars.
   • Baking Powder: To help the bars rise.
   • Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor.
   • Eggs: For structure.
   • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.

2. For the Orange Buttercream Frosting:

   • Butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture.
   • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
   • Orange Zest: Adds a burst of citrus flavor.
   • Orange Juice: Enhances the orange flavor and helps achieve the desired consistency.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Prepare the Bars:
   a. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
   b. In a large bowl, mix the chopped apples, cranberries, sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   c. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.

3. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely.

4. Make the Orange Buttercream Frosting:
   a. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
   b. Gradually add the powdered sugar and orange zest, and beat until well combined.
   c. Slowly add the orange juice while continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

5. Frost the Bars:
   a. Once the bars have cooled, spread the orange buttercream frosting evenly over the top.
   b. You can garnish with extra cranberries, orange zest, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

6. Chill and Serve: Place the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Then, slice them into bars and serve.

Time Needed:

• Preparation Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling Time: About 1 hour
• Frosting and Chilling: 30 minutes

In total, you can expect to spend around 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish, including preparation, baking, cooling, frosting, and chilling. Enjoy these delightful Apple Cranberry Bars with Orange Buttercream Frosting as a sweet and tangy dessert that’s sure to please your taste buds! 🍏🍒🍊🧁😋

Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Apple Cranberry Bars with Orange Buttercream Frosting per serving (assuming 12 servings):

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: Approximately 330 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 130mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 35g
• Protein: 3g

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: These bars are moderately high in calories, making them a treat to enjoy in moderation.

2. Fat Content: They contain a moderate amount of fat, with a significant portion coming from saturated fat in the butter and frosting. It’s essential to be mindful of saturated fat intake for heart health.

3. Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is relatively high due to the use of eggs and butter. Individuals with high cholesterol levels should consume these bars sparingly.

4. Sodium: The sodium content is moderate. It’s advisable for those watching their sodium intake to be mindful of other high-sodium foods in their diet.

5. Carbohydrates: These bars are carbohydrate-rich, with a significant portion coming from sugars. While they are a sweet dessert, it’s important to consume sugary treats in moderation to manage blood sugar levels.

6. Dietary Fiber: They provide some dietary fiber, but it’s not a significant source. Consider adding fiber-rich foods to your diet to promote digestive health.

7. Protein: The protein content is relatively low. To balance your diet, include protein-rich foods in your meals.

8. Micronutrients: This recipe includes apples, which provide vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. However, the overall micronutrient content is not substantial.

9. Portion Control: To enjoy these bars while maintaining a balanced diet, it’s best to consume them in smaller portions and as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.

Remember that nutritional needs vary from person to person, so it’s essential to consider your individual dietary requirements and any health conditions when enjoying desserts like Apple Cranberry Bars with Orange Buttercream Frosting.