Apple Cranberry Bars

Recipe By : Land O Lakes Holiday Memories

1 1/2 Cups granulated sugar
1 Cup butter -- softened
2 eggs
2 Teaspoons orange peel -- grated
2 Teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 Cups all-purpose flour
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1/4 Teaspoon salt
2 Cups peeled apples -- chopped
1 Cup cranberries -- fresh or frozen
coarsely chopped
1 Cup chopped nuts
Orange Butter Cream:
1/3 Cup butter -- softened
3 Ounces cream cheese -- softened
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Cups powdered sugar
1 Teaspoon orange peel -- grated
2 Teaspoons milk -- to 4 teaspoons

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan. In a large mixer bowl, combine the sugar, butter, eggs, orange peel and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl often, for 2 to 3 minutes until well mixed. Reduce the speed to low; add the flour, baking soda and salt. Continue beating, scraping the bowl often, for 1 to 2 minutes until well mixed. By hand, stir in the apples, cranberries and nuts. Spread in the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely. In a small mixer bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl often, for 1 to 2 minutes until well mixed. Reduce the speed to low. Continue beating, gradually adding the powdered sugar, orange peel and enough milk for desired spreading consistency. Thinly frost the cooled bars; cut into bars.