If you are searching for a delightfully tangy yet sweet treat that brings the perfect balance of festive flavor and comforting texture, this Cranberry Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a luscious cranberry filling that bursts with fresh fruitiness in every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday gathering or just craving a homemade dessert that feels cozy and bright, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s straightforward enough for bakers of all levels and every step brings you closer to a truly irresistible dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the first exciting step to making these Cranberry Bars. Each one plays an essential role: from the crispness of the crust to the luscious tang of the cranberry filling, these ingredients blend effortlessly to create a harmonious flavor and texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the crumbly crust and topping.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for crust): Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness in the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the crust a slight lift and prevents it from becoming too dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The secret to a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crumb topping and crust.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Binds the crust together while keeping it tender.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: The star ingredient, bursting with bright, tangy flavor.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cranberry mixture while allowing its natural tartness to shine through.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the juicy cranberry filling for a perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps cook the cranberries down into a luscious, spreadable filling.
- Zest of 1 orange (optional): Adds a lovely citrus aroma and extra dimension to the cranberry layer.
How to Make Cranberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg until everything combines into a crumbly dough. This crust will give your bars the perfect balance of crispness and tenderness.
Step 2: Press the crust and prepare the filling
Take half of the dough and firmly press it into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer. Set aside the remaining dough because it will become the luscious crumb topping. Next, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the berries start to burst and the mixture thickens into a velvety filling, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the optional orange zest for that extra flair. Allow this filling to cool slightly before the next step.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Spread the cooked cranberry filling evenly over the crust layer. Then, crumble the reserved dough on top, covering the cranberry layer with little pockets of buttery goodness. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles through enticingly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before carefully lifting them out using the parchment overhang. This cooling step is key to getting clean slices and perfect texture.
How to Serve Cranberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple or get creative when serving your cranberry bars. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely snowy effect and a touch of extra sweetness. For a festive upgrade, top each square with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few fresh cranberries to brighten up the presentation and complement the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to elevate the dessert experience. For a brunch or tea-time treat, serve alongside a plate of mild cheese or toasted nuts, which contrast with the tart cranberry filling and buttery crust in such a delightful way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, arrange the cranberry bars on a decorative platter and sprinkle some orange zest or candied citrus peel around the edges for extra color and aroma. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the top to add shine and sweetness that will catch everyone’s eye.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cranberry bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain the filling’s firmness and the crust’s tenderness, ensuring each bite stays just as wonderful as the first.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They will maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
For a warm treat, reheat frozen or refrigerated cranberry bars in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will revive the crispness of the crust and warm the fragrant cranberry filling, making them taste freshly baked again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crumbly and not soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. No need to thaw them beforehand; just add them straight into the saucepan. The cooking process will break them down nicely into the filling.
What if I don’t have orange zest? Can I skip it?
Yes, the orange zest is optional but highly recommended for a fragrant citrus note. If you don’t have it on hand, the bars will still be delicious with the natural tartness of the cranberries shining through.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind this may affect the texture slightly, but the bars will still be tasty and satisfying.
How do I know when the cranberry filling is done cooking?
You’ll notice the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency after about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir regularly to prevent sticking. The filling should coat the back of a spoon and spread easily but not runny.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
With a few swaps, yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based margarine, and substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to bind the dough. The filling ingredients are naturally vegan.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Bars Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps come together to create something truly special. Whether you serve them at holiday gatherings or enjoy them as a cozy treat any time of year, these bars bring comfort, color, and joy to the table. I hope you dive into this recipe with as much excitement as I had sharing it—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cranberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and tangy cranberry bars featuring a buttery crumb crust and a sweet-tart cranberry filling, perfect for holiday gatherings or a flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cranberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make Crust Dough: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and blend with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg to form a crumbly dough.
- Form Crust: Press half of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
- Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Add the orange zest if using, and allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust layer in the pan. Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the cranberry filling as the topping.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out before slicing into 12 servings.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; frozen work well if thawed slightly before cooking.
- The orange zest is optional but adds a bright, citrus flavor that complements the cranberries.
- Ensure the butter is cold to create a crumbly dough texture for the crust and topping.
- Allowing the bars to cool fully helps the filling set for cleaner slices.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
