Apple Cranberry Bars

Filled with a chunky mix of fruit and walnuts, these old-fashioned bars make any occasion feel extra special 2 pkgs. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups butter, at room temperature 4 cups allpurpose flour 1 cup chopped walnuts 4 lbs. apples, such as Braeburn, peeled, cored, cut into 1/8"thick slices 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries, chopped 1/4 cup allpurpose flour 1 Tbs. lemon juice 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground ginger 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 5– 6 Tbs. milk ● Dough: On low speed, beat 1 pkg. cream cheese and 3/4 cup butter until smooth. Gradually beat in 2 cups flour until blended. Shape into 1/2"-thick rectangle; wrap in plastic wrap. Repeat making another batch of dough with remaining cream cheese, butter and flour; wrap. Refrigerate both batches of dough 1 hour. ● Filling: Heat 10" skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts; cook, stirring, until toasted, 5 minutes. Remove from skillet; cool. In large bowl, combine apples, granulated sugar, cranberries, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger and walnuts; reserve. ● Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 15 1/4"x10 1/4" rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. On lightly floured surface, roll dough into 17"x14" rectangle. Transfer to baking sheet; spread filling over top. Roll remaining dough into 16"x13" rectangle; place over filling. Brush exposed edge of bottom dough sheet with water; fold over top dough to seal. Cut 8 slits into top dough to vent. Bake 50–55 minutes or until lightly browned and dough is baked through, covering with foil if browning too quickly. Cool completely on rack. ● Glaze: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and enough milk until mixture is spreadable. Spread over top of bars; let stand until set, 20 minutes. Cut into bars. Servings: 20. Cals.: 497. Protein: 6 g. Fat: 26 g. (14 g. saturated). Trans fat: 1 g. Chol.: 60 mg. Carbs.: 63 g. Sodium: 184 mg. Fiber: 3 g. Sugar: 39 g. Kitchen time: 45 minutes. Total time: 5 hours, 45 minutes.