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The beauty of cranberry apple pie bars lies in their carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Understanding these components not only enhances the baking experience but also allows you to appreciate the intricacies involved in crafting this autumnal treat.

Cranberry Apple Pie Bars

Step into autumn with these delightful cranberry apple pie bars, a perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet apples. This easy-to-make dessert captures the essence of the season and is ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in. With a flaky crust and a bubbling fruit filling, each bite promises a comforting experience. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Don’t miss out on this seasonal favorite!
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Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Topping:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (approximately 3 cups)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

2 tbsp cornstarch

For Garnish (optional):

Powdered sugar for dusting

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

    Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

      Press the Crust: Pour the remaining crust mixture into the greased baking dish and press it down evenly to form the base. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

        Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cranberries, diced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Mix until the fruits are well-coated.

          Assemble the Bars: After the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and evenly spread the fruit mixture on top of the crust.

            Add Topping: Crumble the reserved crust mixture over the top of the fruit filling, covering it as evenly as possible.

              Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

                Cool and Slice: Once baked, let the bars cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares after cooling.

                  Serve: Lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hr | 12 bars