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
Scale
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
