Cranberry-Apple Butter Bars

 

1

bag (12 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries

1

cup granulated sugar

1

teaspoon grated orange peel

1/4

cup orange juice

1/2

cup apple butter

2

tablespoons butter or margarine

3/4

cup butter or margarine, softened

1

cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2

cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1

teaspoon salt

1/2

teaspoon baking soda

1 1/4

cups quick-cooking oats

• 1 Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.
• 2 In 4-quart saucepan, mix cranberries, granulated sugar, orange peel and orange juice. Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring constantly. Cook over high heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until cranberries pop and lose their round shape and mixture thickens. Stir in apple butter and 2 tablespoons butter; remove from heat.
• 3 In large bowl, beat 3/4 cup butter and the brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until fluffy. Stir in flour, salt, baking soda and oats. Press 3 cups oat mixture in pan.
• 4 Spread cranberry filling over base. Crumble remaining 2 cups oat mixture over filling; press lightly.
• 5 Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour 30 minutes. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows.