Sweet Kitchen Cravings

0 Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9” x 9” square pan with parchment paper to create a sling, with an overhang on all four sides.
1 Shortbread Crust & Crumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt with a fork. Add the melted butter and vanilla. Mix until the mixture is fully combined and crumbly.
2 Add about ⅔ of the shortbread mixture to the bottom of the prepared pan and press down until firmly packed. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or drinking glass to help press it out evenly. Set aside the remaining mixture.
3 Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the shortbread base and spread out in an even layer using a small offset spatula.
4 Cranberry Layer: In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and zest until the cranberries are fully coated.
5 Pour the cranberry mixture onto the cream cheese layer and arrange into one even layer. Crumble the remaining shortbread mixture into small pieces evenly on top of the cranberries.
6 Bake the bars at 350°F for 30-33 minutes, or until the filling bubbles around the edges and the shortbread turns golden brown.
7 Allow the bars to cool to room temperature then chill in the fridge to set before slicing and serving.