Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Almond Bars

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In a large bowl, mix together butter, vanilla, almond extract, flour, oats, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, half of the orange zest, salt and xanthan gum. When combined divide mixture in half and press one half into the bottom of an 8×8 baking pan. Set aside the other half of the mixture.

In a small saucepan whisk together cranberry sauce, remaining half of the orange zest, remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, dried cranberries and orange liqueur over medium-high heat until it is smooth and begins to boil. Remove from heat and let cool. Spread evenly over the oat mixture that has been pressed into the bottom of an 8×8″ baking pan.

Crumble remaining oat mixture over the top of the cranberries. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve at room temperature.