Cranberry Pecan Coconut Bliss Bars with Orange Drizzle
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with these Cranberry Pecan Coconut Bliss Bars topped with a zesty orange drizzle. This delightful treat combines the crunch of pecans with the sweetness of coconut and the tartness of dried cranberries, all embraced by a buttery crust. Perfectly suited for holiday gift tins or as a delightful addition to your dessert table, these bars offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will leave your guests asking for more. Make these scrumptious bars during the holiday season or any time of year to bring a touch of cheer to your gatherings!
N/A
Servings
88
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2/3 cup (measured)
butter
1/3 cup (cut into pieces)
sugar
2 tablespoons (measured)
powdered sugar
1 cup (measured)
freshly grated orange zest
1 teaspoon (grated)
orange juice
2-3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup (measured)
pecans or macadamia nuts
2/3 cup (coarsely chopped)
dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup (measured)
sugar
1/3 cup (measured)
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small bowl, combine 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup butter (cut into pieces), and 2 tablespoons sugar. Using a mixer on low speed, beat until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut, 2/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans (or macadamia nuts), 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries, 1/3 cup sugar, 2 slightly beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.
5
Once the crust is finished baking, carefully spread the filling mixture over the hot crust. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 22-27 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
6
To prepare the glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest, and enough orange juice (2-3 tablespoons) to achieve your desired consistency in a small bowl.
7
Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm bars as soon as they come out of the oven. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 25 bars. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
12g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry Pecan Coconut Bliss Bars?
They are a festive dessert bar featuring a buttery crust, a filling of cranberries, pecans, and coconut, topped with a zesty orange drizzle.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 25 bars.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use an 8-inch square baking pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking pan.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust is made from 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup butter cut into pieces, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
How do I mix the crust ingredients?
Using a mixer on low speed, beat the flour, butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
How long should the crust bake initially?
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes or until it is lightly golden.
What nuts can I use in this recipe?
You can use 2/3 cup of either coarsely chopped pecans or macadamia nuts.
What kind of cranberries should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
What type of coconut is needed for the filling?
Use 1/2 cup of sweetened flaked coconut.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The two eggs should be slightly beaten before being mixed into the filling.
What leavening agent is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
How long do the bars bake after the filling is added?
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 22 to 27 minutes until the top is golden brown.
What ingredients are in the orange glaze?
The glaze contains 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest, and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice.
When is the orange glaze applied?
Drizzle the orange glaze over the bars as soon as they come out of the oven while they are still warm.
Should I cool the bars before slicing?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into 25 bars.
How many calories are in one bar?
Each serving contains approximately 88 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4 grams of fat in each bar.
How many carbohydrates are in each bar?
Each bar contains 12 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there protein in these bars?
Yes, there is 1 gram of protein per bar.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The filling requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How much sugar is in the filling mixture?
The filling uses 1/3 cup of sugar.
Are these bars suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, they are perfectly suited for holiday gift tins or as a dessert table addition.
Can I adjust the consistency of the glaze?
Yes, you can use 2 to 3 tablespoons of orange juice to achieve your desired consistency.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the filling.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
The recipe utilizes 14 different ingredients.
What is the main flavor profile of these bars?
They offer a balance of sweet coconut, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and zesty orange.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is categorized under easy baking and involves simple steps like mixing and layering.
Can these be made year-round?
Yes, while festive for the holidays, they can be made any time of year to bring cheer to gatherings.