Cranberries are a quintessential part of the holiday season, and these cranberry bars turn the vibrant, tangy fruit into a dessert that’s perfect for sharing. With a buttery crust, sweet-tart cranberry filling, and crumbly topping, these bars strike the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as an everyday treat, these cranberry bars are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Bars
These bars are easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions. The buttery crust and topping provide a rich contrast to the vibrant cranberry filling, while their beautiful red color adds a festive touch to your dessert table. They’re ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you want a dessert that’s both delicious and eye-catching.
Cranberry Bars Recipe : Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes
For the Cranberry Filling:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Cranberry Bars Recipe : How to Make Cranberry Bars
1. Prepare the Crust and Topping
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining mixture for the crumb topping.
2. Make the Cranberry Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Bars
- Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the cranberry layer.
4. Bake the Bars
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For clean slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before serving.
Why These Cranberry Bars Stand Out
These cranberry bars are the ultimate combination of flavors and textures. The buttery crust and topping create a rich, crumbly base that perfectly complements the tart cranberry filling. The addition of orange juice and zest enhances the cranberries’ natural flavor, adding brightness and complexity to the dessert.
Their vibrant red color makes them a show-stopping addition to holiday dessert spreads, and their simple preparation means you can whip them up without stress.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bars
- Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Either works beautifully in this recipe, but if using frozen cranberries, thaw and drain them first.
- Don’t Skip the Orange Zest: It adds a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the cranberry filling.
- Chill Before Cutting: For the cleanest slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator before cutting them into squares.
- Store Properly: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh or frozen cranberries are best for this recipe, as dried cranberries won’t provide the same tart flavor or texture.
What’s a good substitute for orange juice?
Lemon juice works as a substitute, though it will create a slightly different flavor.
Can I freeze cranberry bars?
Yes! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Do I have to use a food processor for the crust?
No, a pastry cutter or even your hands will work just fine for combining the crust ingredients.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
How do I prevent the cranberry filling from being too runny?
Make sure to cook the filling long enough for the cornstarch to thicken it properly.
Where Can I Find More Recipe Ideas? You can explore more recipes in our categories: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. For additional inspiration, check out popular sites like AllRecipes and Tasty.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Bars Recipe is the perfect holiday dessert, combining a buttery crust, tart cranberry filling, and crumbly topping for a treat that’s as festive as it is delicious. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these bars are a great addition to any dessert table or a simple way to brighten up your day. Try this recipe today and enjoy the sweet-tart magic of cranberries in every bite!