Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Gluten Free Cranberry Bars with Orange Drizzle



Cranberry sauce...that Thanksgiving tradition that you are sure to have leftovers of, am I right?  As a kid, I didn't really see the point of it. But now I really love it. I like a bit with each bite of turkey. I'd say I even prefer it to gravy. 

Well, folks, cranberry sauce has another important purpose. A purpose that can be fulfilled year-round, if desired. That purpose is as the filling of these scrumptious bars. 

I have a friend who has a gluten and soy intolerance, and I wanted to do something special for her. I have a recipe for cranberry bars that is basically a shortbread crust, with cranberry sauce and a crumble top. I adapted that recipe to make this one. It's the kind of recipe that might make you want to become gluten-free, just for the heck of it. It is that good.


These are the only non-pantry-staples this recipe calls for.  Be sure to get the "Whole Berry" can of cranberry sauce. The Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Shortbread Cookie Mix was at my Fred Meyer (Kroger family) grocery store. It was about $2 for the bag. You'll also need an orange, butter, 2 egg yolks, water, milk, and powdered sugar.




The little orange flecks are bits of orange zest. Cranberry + orange = WIN. 

Here's the recipe: 


Gluten Free Cranberry Bars with Orange Drizzle
Makes 15 large square bars

Ingredients
Bars: 
1 21-oz package Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Shortbread Cookie Mix
1.5 sticks (3/4 cup) softened butter
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons water
1 14-16oz can whole berry cranberry sauce

Drizzle:
zest of 1 medium orange
3 tablespoons milk
1 2/3 cups powdered sugar

Directions for Bars
1. Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare 9"x13" baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, egg yolks, and water. Mix in Cookie Mix well. Mixture will be dry and crumbly. 
3. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the baking dish. Press it slightly up on the sides to form a short wall. 
4. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the pressed cookie mix. Sprinkle remaining cookie mixture over the cranberry sauce. 
5. Place in center of oven and bake 25 minutes. Cool, then use a pastry bag with a small round tip (or a sandwich bag with a cut corner)to top with Orange Drizzle.

Directions for Orange Drizzle
Mix orange zest and milk in a small mixing bowl. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. 














19 comments:

  1. These sound and look delicious, Kelly. Our Canadian Thanksgiving was last month, but I'm going to have to get some more cranberries to try this. Thanks so much for the recipe!

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    1. Thank you! You'll love them, I promise. My family is expecting more this week with our leftover cranberry sauce!

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  2. Oh my gosh! These look amazing! I am loving the cranberry flavor!

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    1. They taste amazing, too! Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I love baking with cranberries! These look amazing

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    1. You would love these. I plan to make more this week with my leftovers. My family is already salivating! :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Oh they look delicious and I love the shortbread topping. I could certainly enjoy eating a square (or two) of these :-)

    Thanks for linking up to Marvelous Monday on Smart Party Planning.

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    1. Thanks, Catherine! I always enjoy your link-up. I'll be back next week with some new projects for sure!

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  5. These looks so good! Pinned. Thanks for sharing at the party! & hope you have a great Thanksgiving. Theresa @DearCreatives

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    1. Thanks, Theresa, for the pin and for stopping by. I hope you get to try these out. They will not disappoint. :)

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  6. Oh wow. I never would have thought to put cranberry sauce in a dessert. I think the orange zest in the glaze puts them over the top.

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    1. They are truly yummy. I hope you get a chance to try them out. You won't regret it!

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  7. My mom makes a cookie like this, and they are so good! This would be a great way to use up some leftover cranberry sauce today. Thanks for sharing with Hump Day Happenings!

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    1. Thanks, Jenna! Yep, another batch is in my future this week to use up the leftover cranberry sauce! Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. Hello!! Just wanted to let you know I will be using this in a round up (posting soon) from the Teach Me Tuesday party! Very much appreciate you linking up with us ;)

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    1. Thanks, Bobbi! I look forward to seeing it. I always enjoy your link-up each week.

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  10. Looks delicious!!! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!

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  11. Thanks for sharing your cranberry squares at The Pin Junkie! Just wanted to let you know that they were featured at this week's party! :)

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