Cranberry Bars have become a staple dessert for any festive occasion, especially during the holidays. These easy cranberry bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a tart fresh cranberry filling, and a crumbly topping that’s irresistibly delicious. They’re not only simple to make but also perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy winter gathering, these bars will surely delight everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bars
There are countless reasons to adore these Cranberry Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or potlucks. Second, the combination of sweet and tart flavors is simply irresistible. You can also enjoy them as a healthy treat with options like Cranberry Oat Bars or Gluten-free cranberry bar recipe variations. The delightful aroma of freshly baked cranberries and buttery crust fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to indulge. Lastly, they are versatile; serve them as Cranberry Dessert Bars or even a Cranberry Slice.
Ingredients for Cranberry Bars
Gather these items:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sliced almonds (or chopped pecans)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 3 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
How to Make Cranberry Bars Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cornstarch, and water. Cook 8–10 minutes over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, almonds, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form. Add egg; mix until dough forms.
- Step 4: Reserve 1½ cups crumb mixture for topping. Press remaining dough firmly into the pan to form the crust.
- Step 5: Spread cranberry filling evenly over the crust, reaching all corners.
- Step 6: Stir cinnamon into reserved crumbs and sprinkle evenly over the cranberry layer.
- Step 7: Bake 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and filling bubbles at the edges. Bars should be set and no longer jiggly.
- Step 8: Cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours. Refrigerate for 1 hour for cleaner cuts. Lift out with parchment and slice into bars.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Bars
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure the butter is cold for a flakier crust.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch.
- Try substituting nuts with oats for Healthy cranberry oat bars.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Bars
These Cranberry Dessert Bars can be served in various delightful ways. First, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of flavors. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, try them as a Cranberry orange dessert bars by adding orange zest to the topping.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Bars
To store, place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven. Perfect for meal prep, these bars can quickly become a go-to snack!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Bars
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Bars?
The key to perfect Cranberry Bars lies in the balance of flavors. The tartness of the cranberries paired with the sweet buttery crust creates a perfect harmony. Don’t forget to let them cool completely to achieve the perfect texture!
Can I make Cranberry Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Cranberry Bars ahead of time! They taste even better after a day in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store them properly to maintain freshness.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Bars?
To avoid common mistakes, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and don’t overmix the dough. Additionally, ensure that the crust is adequately pressed to avoid a crumbly texture.
Variations of Cranberry Bars You Can Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some delicious variations to try: make Cranberry almond bars by adding almond extract, or go for a Cranberry chocolate chip bars edition by mixing in chocolate chips. For a healthier option, try Vegan cranberry bars recipe by substituting butter with coconut oil and using a flax egg.
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Cranberry Bars: Irresistible Dessert for Every Celebration
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy cranberry bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, tart fresh cranberry filling, and a crumbly topping that’s irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sliced almonds (or chopped pecans)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 3 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cornstarch, and water. Cook 8–10 minutes over medium heat until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, almonds, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter with pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form. Add egg; mix until dough forms.
- Reserve 1½ cups crumb mixture for topping. Press remaining dough firmly into pan to form crust.
- Spread cranberry filling evenly over crust, reaching all corners.
- Stir cinnamon into reserved crumbs and sprinkle evenly over cranberry layer.
- Bake 45–55 minutes, until top is golden and filling bubbles at edges. Bars should be set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool completely in pan for at least 2 hours. Refrigerate 1 hour for cleaner cuts. Lift out with parchment and slice into bars.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
