Cranberry Almond Bars

Yes, yes, I borrowed another recipe from my favorite baking site Bakeat350. (Check out her cookies. They are insanely gorgeous.) These cranberry bars just looked so delicious and festive, I had to try them! I made them last night with the intent to take them to my food day at work this morning.

Aren't they pretty???


Incidentally, I ended up taking my last personal day at work today, so they're begging for me to eat them. I did try a little bite, and they are DELICIOUS. The cranberries make the sweet bars so zippy and flavorful. Although, my husband DID say it was basically a "fruit cake." Truth be told, I don't think he's ever HAD fruit cake.

Cranberry Almond Bars

3/4 cup unsalted butter, plus more for pan
1 & 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp pure almond extract
1 & 1/2 c. unbleached, all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp coarse salt
2 c. fresh cranberries
1/3 c. slivered almonds

Melt the 3/4 c butter and set aside (or in the fridge) to cool.

Reserve 2 TBSP of the almonds for the top of the batter and chop the remaining. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8x 8" pan with foil (for easy removal later!)

Beat the sugar and eggs for 3 minutes.

Add the cooled melted butter and almond extract; beat until combined.

Whisk together the flour & salt. Add to the sugar/butter mixture and mix on low until combined.

Stir in the cranberries and chopped almonds.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan...spread evenly over the pan. Sprinkle with the reserved almonds.

Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with crumbs but not wet. (Cover with foil the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, if necessary.)

Life the foil and bars out of the pan once cool!

For other recipes, see Grocery Cart Challenge.