If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances tart and sweet, this Cranberry Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine biting into a buttery, crumbly crust layered with vibrant, tangy cranberry filling that bursts with fresh flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. These bars are not only a feast for your taste buds but also a beautiful addition to your dessert table, especially when cranberries are in their prime. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving something homemade and comforting, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both special and totally achievable in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients that each play a vital role in creating perfect texture and flavor. From the tender all-purpose flour base to the juicy cranberries that give these bars their signature zing, every element is thoughtfully chosen.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the sturdy yet tender structure for both crust and topping.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 3/4 cup): Adds the right touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of cranberries.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps lighten the crumbly dough, ensuring a lovely texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making everything taste even better.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): Creates the rich, flaky base and topping; chill it well for the best crumb.
- Large egg, lightly beaten (1): Binds the dough together without weighing it down.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (2 cups): The star of the show, offering freshness, color, and that perfect tart pop.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the cranberry filling to keep those bars neat and luscious.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps cook down the cranberries evenly and meld the filling flavors.
- Orange zest (zest of 1 orange) (optional): Adds a bright, citrusy aroma that elevates the filling beautifully.
How to Make Cranberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it so easy to lift out the bars once they’ve cooled, ensuring clean, perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Mix the Crust and Topping Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Toss in the cold, cubed butter and use either a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then stir in the lightly beaten egg—it might seem crumbly but don’t worry, this will hold everything together just right.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Take half of the dough mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. It should form an even layer that will become a buttery, golden crust after baking. Keep the other half of the dough on the side—you’ll crumble it over the cranberry filling later.
Step 4: Cook the Cranberry Filling
Grab a saucepan and set it over medium heat. Combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water, stirring often as the mixture heats up. You’ll notice the cranberries start to burst and the filling will thicken nicely after 5 to 7 minutes. If you’re using orange zest, stir it in now—the zest adds a wonderful depth and freshness that complements the berries perfectly. Let the filling cool a bit before moving on.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread that luscious cranberry filling evenly over the pressed crust in your pan. Then crumble the reserved dough evenly over the top, creating a delightful textured layer. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until you see a beautifully golden top and bubbly filling underneath. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan; this step helps them set so you can slice them without any messy spills.
How to Serve Cranberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These cranberry bars are stunning on their own, but you can take presentation up a notch with a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. A few fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest on top add a festive, fresh touch that’s sure to impress guests or brighten any snack time.
Side Dishes
If you’re sharing these bars at a brunch or dessert spread, pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that balances tart and creaminess. They also go surprisingly well with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, perfect for cozy afternoons.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by cutting the bars into mini squares for easy finger food at parties. You can even stack a few on a dessert platter interspersed with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to make them look extra special. Wrapping a single bar in parchment paper tied with a ribbon also makes a charming homemade gift for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cranberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge where they’ll stay tasty and moist for about 5 days. Always separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring your cranberry bars back to life, warm them slightly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps refresh the buttery crust and revives the warm, gooey texture of the cranberry filling without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking the filling to avoid a runny texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ideally one that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Keep in mind that the crumb might be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.
Can I add nuts or other fruits to the bars?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, and mixing in a handful of dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots can create fun flavor variations.
How do I ensure the crust stays crumbly and not tough?
Using cold butter and not overmixing the dough are key factors. Working quickly to incorporate the butter helps achieve that flaky texture, and chilling the dough before pressing it can also help.
Can I make these bars without orange zest?
Yes, the orange zest is optional but highly recommended as it brightens the flavor of the cranberry filling. If you don’t have it on hand, you can still enjoy delicious cranberry bars without it.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Bars Recipe is one of those cherished treats that combines simple ingredients into a truly memorable dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just to enjoy a sweet snack, the vibrant color, tangy filling, and buttery crumb will never disappoint. Give it a try and watch these bars become an instant favorite in your recipe collection.
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
Delight in these homemade Cranberry Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust layered with a tangy, sweet cranberry filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a festive snack, these bars combine fresh cranberries cooked down into a luscious, thickened glaze with a crisp topping for a balanced, delicious treat.
Ingredients
Crust & 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
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 an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg until it forms a crumbly dough.
- Form the Crust: Press half of the dough firmly into the prepared pan to create an even base layer. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
- Cook the Cranberry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir frequently and cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If using, stir in the orange zest and allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the slightly cooled cranberry filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Then crumble the reserved dough evenly over the filling to form the topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cranberry bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out easily, then slice into 12 servings.
Notes
- For a citrusy twist, be sure to include the orange zest in the filling.
- Use frozen cranberries directly from the freezer; no need to thaw before cooking.
- Make sure the butter is cold when incorporating it into the dough for a crispier texture.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Serve bars chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
