If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts vibrant and comforting, look no further than Cranberry Bars. These bars bring together buttery cake, tart cranberries, and a snowy dusting of powdered sugar for a treat that truly sings with color and flavor. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, hosting brunch, or just want something special to brighten up your afternoon, these bars strike the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and deliciously chewy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cranberry Bars is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create a memorable treat. Each one has an important role, from giving structure and tenderness to providing a pop of fresh, juicy flavor.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Helps create a tender, rich base that tastes amazing in every bite.
- Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the bars and provides a moist, chewy texture.
- Large Eggs (3): Add structure and help bind the ingredients for a cohesive bar.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Lends warmth and depth, enhancing both the sweet and tart notes.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The essential framework, giving the bars their sturdy, yet soft, crumb.
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures just the right lift and keeps the bars from feeling too dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Makes all the flavors pop and balances out the sweetness.
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (2 cups): The star ingredient, lending bursts of tartness and gorgeous color—no need to thaw if using frozen!
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Add delightful crunch and a nutty complement (or substitute white chocolate chips for extra sweetness).
- Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup, for dusting): A finishing touch that makes the bars look as fabulous as they taste.
How to Make Cranberry Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven comes up to temperature, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or, if you’d like an easy lift-out option, line it with parchment paper. This sets you up for easy removal and slicing once your Cranberry Bars have cooled.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use your mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes a couple of minutes and is worth every second, as it creates the perfect base for your bars—rich, soft, and full of flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step helps build a smooth and cohesive batter. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that little extra pop of warmth and aroma.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to blend these well—this helps distribute the leavening and salt so your Cranberry Bars rise evenly and taste perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined. You’ll want to avoid over-mixing here, as that can make the bars dense rather than tender.
Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and Nuts
Now for the fun part—gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts or pecans, if using. The batter will be thick, but that’s good! The cranberries will dot the batter with tartness and color, while the nuts add a wonderful crunch.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, making sure to nudge it all the way to the edges. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this helps them set up for neat slicing. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar for a bakery-worthy finish. Slice into squares and bask in the aroma and beauty of homemade Cranberry Bars.
How to Serve Cranberry Bars
Garnishes
These bars are stunning all on their own, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving takes their visual appeal over the top. For an extra-special holiday touch, add a few whole cranberries or a little orange zest on the side of the plate. If you love a bit of creamy richness, a dollop of whipped cream or a light drizzle of white chocolate ties everything together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Bars pair delightfully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate. They also play well alongside a fresh citrus fruit salad, which highlights their tart-sweet flavor. For a decadent brunch spread, try them with savory quiches or buttery croissants for a wonderful mix of textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Cranberry Bars really pop, cut them into fun shapes using a cookie cutter, or layer them on a tiered dessert tray for an afternoon tea or potluck. They also make fabulous gifts when wrapped in parchment and tied with a festive ribbon—just slip a small card with your favorite serving suggestion for a personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cranberry Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If your kitchen runs warm or humid, you can stash them in the fridge to keep them fresher even longer. The bars maintain their lovely chew and bright flavor, making them great for do-ahead planning.
Freezing
Cranberry Bars freeze beautifully! Simply arrange the cooled bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When a craving hits, just let them thaw at room temperature—no need to reheat.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars slightly warm, pop a slice into the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This is especially delicious if you serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Remember to dust with a fresh layer of powdered sugar after reheating, as it tends to melt into the bars.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can swap in dried cranberries if that’s what you have on hand. The bars will be sweeter and less tart, but still tasty. For best results, soak the dried cranberries in hot water for about 10 minutes to plump them up before folding into the batter.
Do Cranberry Bars travel well for potlucks or gifting?
Absolutely! Once cooled and sliced, these bars are sturdy enough to pack up in boxes or tins, making them a reliable choice for holiday cookie swaps or care packages sent to loved ones.
Can I make Cranberry Bars gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check your blend contains xanthan gum or add a bit separately if needed, for the best texture.
How do I keep the bars moist for several days?
Store the bars tightly covered and, if you like, add a slice of apple or bread to the container. This helps maintain moisture so the bars stay soft and chewy for days after baking.
What can I use in place of nuts?
If you’re looking to avoid nuts, white chocolate chips are a delicious swap—they offer a lovely pop of sweetness. You can also simply leave the nuts out; the bars will still be wonderfully flavorful and tender.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Cranberry Bars enough if you’re craving something easy, bright, and a little bit special. They’re a joy to bake and even more fun to share. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just treating yourself, put on some good music, pour a cup of something cozy, and let these bars bring a little extra cheer to your kitchen!
Print
Cranberry Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful cranberry bars are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them a wonderful treat for the holiday season or any time of the year. With a buttery crust, juicy cranberries, and optional nuts for added crunch, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Cranberry Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Add cranberries and nuts: Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts if using.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the baking dish and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Cool and dust: Let the bars cool, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing into squares.
Notes
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding to the batter.
- You can substitute nuts with white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
