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Cranberry Macadamia Bars

Cranberry Macadamia Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Cranberry Macadamia Bars combine tart cranberries and crunchy nuts in a delightful treat. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy evening, these bars are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet craving. Make them tonight!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cup granulated white sugar
  • 0.5 cup cold salted butter
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts can also use hazelnuts or pecans
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1.25 cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped cranberries
  • 0.5 cup shredded coconut
  • 0.5 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Whisk
  • Grater
  • Blender
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Frying Pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour and granulated white sugar.
  3. Cut the cold salted butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives.
  4. Once you achieve a crumbly texture, stir in the finely chopped macadamia nuts.
  5. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan.
  6. Bake the crust for 10 to 15 minutes.
  7. While the crust is baking, combine all of the filling ingredients in a separate mixing bowl.
  8. Whisk the filling ingredients together until they're well combined.
  9. Once the crust is done baking, pour the filling over it.
  10. Sprinkle a handful of additional cranberries, coconut, and nuts on top.
  11. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes.
  12. Once baked, cool the bars slightly in the pan on a wire rack.
  13. After cooling slightly, cut into bars while warm.
  14. Let them cool completely in the pan before removing.

Notes

  • Tip 1: I like to use fresh cranberries (easiest to chop when they are frozen).
  • Tip 2: You can substitute dried cranberries if you'd like.