If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet while delivering a delightful crumbly texture, this Cranberry Bars Recipe is going to steal your heart. Bursting with vibrant, juicy cranberries nestled between a buttery crust and crumbly topping, these bars are simple to make yet impressively flavorful. Whether for the holidays, a casual gathering, or just because you deserve a treat, these cranberry bars bring both comfort and a pop of seasonal cheer to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Bars Recipe comes from a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an important role. From the crisp sweetness of cranberries to the rich buttery notes in the crust, every bite is a harmony of textures and tastes.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base and topping, giving the bars their classic crumbly texture.
- Granulated sugar: Used in both crust and filling to add just the right sweetness and balance the tartness of cranberries.
- Baking powder: Helps the crust rise slightly, keeping it light instead of dense.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed to create that perfect flaky crust and crumbly topping when mixed into the flour.
- Large egg: Lightly beaten to bind the crust ingredients together while keeping it tender.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: The star ingredient bursting with tangy freshness and vibrant red color.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the cranberry filling so it sets beautifully without watering down the bars.
- Water: Combines with sugar and cornstarch to create the luscious filling base.
- Orange zest (optional): Adds a bright, citrusy lift that complements the tart cranberries exceptionally well.
How to Make Cranberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later. Having everything ready upfront makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Create the Crust Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they’re evenly combined. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until you get coarse crumbs. This step is key for that tender, crumbly texture. Then, stir in the lightly beaten egg until the mixture just comes together into a crumbly dough.
Step 3: Press the Crust
Take half of your dough and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This layer acts as the sturdy base for the cranberry filling. Save the other half of the dough for the topping that will give the bars their signature golden, crunchy finish.
Step 4: Cook the Cranberry Filling
Combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as the berries cook down and burst open, releasing their juices and thickening the mixture into a luscious filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in the zest of one orange to add extra flavor complexity. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before spreading.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread the warm cranberry filling evenly over the pressed crust. Then, crumble the reserved dough on top to create the classic crumbly topping. The contrast between the juicy filling and buttery crumble is what makes this Cranberry Bars Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. Look for a golden top and bubbly filling as your signs of success. Once baked, cool the entire pan completely on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to gently lift out the bars before slicing into squares and enjoying.
How to Serve Cranberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate adds an elegant touch. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cranberry bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance tartness and add creamy richness. They’re also wonderful alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, cut the bars into mini squares or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for holiday parties. Layer the bars with whipped cream and fresh cranberries in a transparent dish to make a stunning cranberry parfait that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cranberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, where they will keep well for about a week without losing texture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cranberry bars by wrapping individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
If you prefer your cranberry bars warm, heat them gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the warm, gooey filling and crisp crumb topping perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the filling too runny.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will maintain the texture while keeping it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I add nuts to the cranberry bars?
Definitely. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping before baking adds lovely texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberry.
How long do cranberry bars last once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the bars stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. They taste best within these timeframes to enjoy peak texture and flavor.
Can I make these bars ahead for a party?
Yes, this Cranberry Bars Recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two in advance, store them covered, and serve at room temperature or lightly warmed when guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Bars Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to sweets whenever I want something homey, bright, and comforting. The blend of tart cranberries, buttery crumb, and subtle sweetness is pure magic in every bite, and I’m confident you’ll love sharing these bars as much as I do. So grab those simple ingredients and bake a batch — you’ll be thanking me later.
Print
Cranberry Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade cranberry bars featuring a buttery crumb crust and a tangy cranberry filling, perfect for a festive treat or everyday dessert.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift out the bars later.
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Incorporate the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg to form a crumbly dough.
- Press Crust: Firmly press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust layer. Set aside the remaining dough to use as the topping.
- Prepare Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook while stirring frequently until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the orange zest if using, then remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the prepared crust. Crumble the reserved dough over the cranberry layer to create a crumb topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before using the parchment overhang to lift them out. Slice into 12 bars and serve.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries for the filling; just ensure frozen are thawed slightly before cooking.
- Adding orange zest enhances the berry flavor but is optional.
- For easier slicing, cool the bars completely or refrigerate before cutting.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
