Cranberry Gooey Butter Bars
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Additional Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
5 hrs 5 mins
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Servings
12 bars
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Course
Dessert
Cranberry Gooey Butter Bars
Description
This recipe starts with a cake base made from yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, and orange zest pressed into a pan. Fresh cranberries are evenly spread over this layer, providing bright tartness. The filling is prepared by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest, melted butter, and eggs until smooth, then poured over the cranberries. Baking the layers melds the flavors and yields a golden brown top with a gooey interior.
After baking, the bars are cooled completely and chilled to set. They can be served dusted with powdered sugar or topped with whipped cream. The tart cranberry layer balances the sweetness for an appealing contrast. These bars are suitable for dessert or a festive treat, especially during holiday seasons.
This recipe was adapted from a known baking source and benefits from chilling overnight to improve texture and slice cleanly.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 ounces
- ½ cup butter melted and cooled slightly, unsalted
- 1 egg large
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
For the Filling:
- 3 cups cranberries fresh
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- ½ cup butter melted and cooled slightly, unsalted
- 3 egg large
Topping:
- powdered sugar or whipped cream
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Line bottom of 13x9-inch pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix cake base ingredients until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread cranberries evenly over the cake base layer.
- In another large bowl, beat cream cheese and 2 cups powdered sugar, and orange zest with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined and smooth. Beat in 1/2 cup melted butter and the eggs, one at a time. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Pour and evenly spread the batter into pan over the cranberries.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and center is set. Place pan on a wire rack and cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, top with whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Chill the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up for cleaner slices.
- Top with powdered sugar or whipped cream before serving for added sweetness.
- Fresh cranberries provide tartness that complements the rich cream cheese filling and orange zest.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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