Date Cranberry Orange Bars π
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Description:
Looking for a delightful treat to indulge in over the Christmas vacation? Look no further than these tantalizing Date Cranberry Orange Bars! This recipe, discovered on the back of a Dole pitted dates bag, combines the rich sweetness of dates with the tartness of cranberries and the citrusy zing of orange. Perfect for dessert, snacking, or even a sweet addition to brunch, these bars are sure to become a holiday favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/3 cups flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly to perfection. |
| 2 | Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, beat together the margarine and 1/2 cup of sugar until creamy and well combined. Stir in 1 cup of flour until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly onto the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan, creating a firm and even crust. |
| 3 | Bake Crust: Place the prepared crust in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown. This initial baking step ensures a crisp and delicious base for your bars. |
| 4 | Prepare Filling: While the crust is baking, it’s time to prepare the luscious filling. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well blended. Stir in the remaining sugar, flour, pitted dates, dried cranberries, and orange juice, combining everything into a smooth and flavorful mixture. |
| 5 | Assemble and Bake: Once the crust is golden brown, remove it from the oven and pour the prepared filling evenly over the hot crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned on top. This step infuses the bars with a rich blend of flavors and textures. |
| 6 | Final Touches: Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool slightly. Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a festive finish. |
| 7 | Serve and Enjoy: With the bars cooled and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s time to cut them into indulgent squares. Serve them up as a delightful dessert, a tempting snack, or a sweet addition to any holiday gathering. Enjoy the delightful combination of dates, cranberries, and orange in every bite! |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 129.2
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9g
- Cholesterol: 26.4mg
- Sodium: 53.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14.7g
- Protein: 1.8g
Keywords:
Dessert, Lunch/Snacks, Cookie & Brownie, Fruit, Potluck, Sweet, Brunch, < 60 Mins, Oven
Notes:
These Date Cranberry Orange Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite nuts or spices for an extra touch of flavor. Plus, they make a wonderful homemade gift during the holiday season! Enjoy the festive flavors and the joy of baking with this delightful recipe.
