Recipe: Apple Cranberry Bars with Orange Butter

Apple Cranberry Bars with Orange Butter Cream
From: Land O Lakes Holiday Memories
Makes : 48

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup butter -- softened
2 eggs
2 teaspoons orange peel -- grated
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups peeled apples -- chopped
1 cup cranberries -- fresh or frozen, coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped nuts

Orange Butter Cream:
1/3 cup butter -- softened
3 ounces cream cheese -- softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon orange peel -- grated
2 teaspoons milk -- to 4 teaspoons

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan.

In a large mixer bowl, combine the sugar, butter, eggs, orange peel and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl often, for 2 to 3 minutes until well mixed.

Reduce the speed to low; add the flour, baking soda and salt. Continue beating, scraping the bowl often, for 1 to 2 minutes until well mixed.

By hand, stir in the apples, cranberries and nuts.

Spread in the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Orange Butter Cream:
In a
small mixer bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl often, for 1 to 2 minutes until well mixed. Reduce the speed to low. Continue beating, gradually adding the powdered sugar, orange peel and enough milk for desired spreading consistency.

Thinly frost the cooled bars; cut into bars.