If you are looking for a delightful treat that brings together tangy cranberries and buttery, crumbly crust, this Cranberry Bars Recipe is just what you need. These bars perfectly balance a luscious, slightly tart cranberry filling with a tender, golden topping that almost melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or impressing guests at a holiday gathering, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive dessert that’s bursting with flavor and vibrant color. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and totally adaptable, making it a go-to for any occasion where you want something sweet, tart, and utterly comforting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Bars Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s creating the perfect texture, adding sweetness, or bringing a pop of color and freshness that makes every bite exciting. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start mixing and baking:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for the tender crust and crumbly topping that hold everything together.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries in the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the crust rise gently so it’s light without being cakey.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, creating a well-rounded taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The key to a rich, flaky texture in both crust and topping.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Binds the dough while keeping it tender.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: The star of the show, bringing a beautiful punch of tartness and color.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberry filling perfectly without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it sets nicely when baked.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps soften the cranberries and activates the cornstarch.
- Zest of 1 orange (optional): Adds a bright, citrusy note that lifts the overall flavor and aroma.
How to Make Cranberry Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick will make it so much easier to lift your cranberry bars out once they’re perfectly baked.
Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping Dough
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—a little sandy and crumbly but still sticking together. Add the beaten egg and stir just enough to bring the dough together. It should remain crumbly but easily pressed.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Press half of your crumbly dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s even and compact because this base will support the delicious filling. The leftover dough will become the topping that makes this recipe uniquely delightful.
Step 4: Cook the Cranberry Filling
Place the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the cranberries burst open and the filling thickens to a glossy, jam-like consistency—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If you’re using orange zest, mix it in now for an extra layer of fragrant flavor. Let the filling cool slightly so it isn’t too hot when layered.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread the slightly cooled cranberry filling evenly over your pressed crust. Then sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the top in loose crumbs. This contrast between the tart filling and crumbly topping is what gives these bars their signature texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the top is a beautiful golden brown and the cranberry filling is bubbly all around the edges. Once out of the oven, set the bars aside and let them cool completely in the pan—this resting time helps them set fully for neat slices.
How to Serve Cranberry Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are wonderful on their own, but for a gorgeous finishing touch, try dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or adding a few fresh cranberries on top just before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate also pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry flavor.
Side Dishes
Looking to create a memorable spread? Serve cranberry bars alongside a simple cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For brunch, pair them with creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a festive platter for parties. You can also layer some bars with cream cheese frosting to create cranberry bar sandwiches that will wow your guests with both taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your cranberry bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they will last about 5 days without losing their fantastic texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cranberry bars later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your cranberry bars warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes, which will help maintain their crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly here and are often more convenient. Just be sure to thaw them slightly before cooking so the filling thickens properly.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will keep the texture lovely without compromising the recipe’s structure.
Can I add nuts to the topping for extra crunch?
Definitely. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the crumb topping before baking add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with cranberry.
How long do these bars stay fresh after baking?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the bars remain fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. They tend to taste even better after settling overnight!
Can I use orange juice instead of zest for more flavor?
Yes, but use just a tablespoon of fresh orange juice added to the cranberry filling. The zest provides more concentrated citrus oils, so adding juice will give a milder but still lovely citrus note.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Bars Recipe is truly a charming kitchen staple that you’ll return to time and again. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking, yet special enough for festive occasions. Once you try these bars, you’ll love how the bright, juicy cranberries meet that buttery, crumbly crust in every delicious bite. So gather those ingredients, have fun making it your own, and most importantly, enjoy every moment eating these sweet and tangy delights!
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 and tangy cranberry bars featuring a buttery crumbly crust topped with a sweet-tart cranberry filling. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a fruity, satisfying dessert with a bright hint of orange zest.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the lightly beaten egg to form a crumbly dough.
- Form Crust: Press half of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer. Reserve the remaining dough for the topping.
- Cook Cranberry Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in orange zest if using, and then allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the crust layer. Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the filling to form the topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles. Once done, let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; frozen cranberries work well and don’t require thawing first.
- Cold butter is important for a crumbly, tender crust.
- Orange zest is optional but adds a lovely citrus aroma that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
- Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing to help the filling set for clean cuts.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
