Cranberry-Pear Bars with Orange Frosting

Dress up a white cake mix with fresh fruit for this dessert. Purchased frosting with a little orange and spice adds the finishing touch to these yummy bars.

Cranberry-Pear Bars with Orange Frosting
Photo: Blaine Moats
Prep Time:
25 mins
Bake Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Yield:
48 bars

Ingredients

  • 1 package 2-layer-size white or yellow cake mix

  • 2 eggs

  • ½ cup butter, melted

  • 1 tablespoon finely shredded orange peel

  • 1 firm pear, peeled, cored, and chopped

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed

  • ½ cup chopped pecans

  • Easy Orange Frosting

  • Ground cinnamon (optional)

Easy Orange Frosting

  • 1 15 ounce can vanilla frosting

  • ½ teaspoon finely shredded orange peel

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan; set aside.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and orange peel. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds or until combined. Fold in the chopped pear, cranberries, and pecans.

  3. Spread mixture in the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Frost with Easy Orange Frosting. If desired, sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Cut into bars. Makes 48 bars.

Easy Orange Frosting

  1. In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine vanilla frosting, orange peel, and ground cinnamon.

Place bars in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Related Articles