Cranberry bars are a delightful dessert that combines a soft, buttery crust with a bright, tangy cranberry filling. These bars are simple to make yet impressive enough for holidays, potlucks, or afternoon treats. The natural tartness of cranberries pairs beautifully with a sweet base, creating a dessert that’s flavorful without being overly sweet.
Whether you use fresh or dried cranberries, cranberry bars are a wonderful way to enjoy this vibrant fruit in a baked treat. They are easy to slice, store, and serve, making them a favorite for both casual and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Bars
Cranberry bars are popular for many reasons:
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Perfect balance of sweet and tart
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Soft, buttery texture
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Easy to make with simple ingredients
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Ideal for holidays and gatherings
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Great for make-ahead desserts
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Easy to cut and serve
Once you try them, these bars are sure to become a regular baking favorite.
Ingredients for Cranberry Bars
For the base and topping:
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1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cranberry filling:
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2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Zest of 1 orange (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Bars – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and orange zest if using. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base.
Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the dough. Crumble the remaining dough over the top for a rustic crumble layer.
Step 5: Bake the Cranberry Bars
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.
Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
How to Know When Cranberry Bars Are Done
Perfect cranberry bars should be:
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Lightly golden on top
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Firm around the edges
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Soft in the center
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Not overly liquid
The bars will continue to set as they cool.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Bars
Cranberry bars can be enjoyed in many ways:
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As a dessert with tea or coffee
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Lightly dusted with powdered sugar
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Served warm with vanilla ice cream
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Part of a holiday dessert platter
Health Benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries offer several nutritional benefits:
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Rich in antioxidants
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Good source of vitamin C
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Naturally low in calories
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Supports digestive health
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Adds bright flavor without excess sweetness
Using cranberries makes these bars both tasty and beneficial.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Bars
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Let bars cool fully before slicing
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Adjust sugar to taste if cranberries are very tart
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Use parchment paper for easy removal
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Add nuts for extra texture
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Don’t overbake to keep bars soft
These tips help ensure perfect results every time.
Easy Variations to Try
You can customize cranberry bars easily:
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Add white chocolate chips
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Use dried cranberries instead of fresh
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Mix cranberries with raspberries or strawberries
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Add oats to the crumble topping
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Use almond extract for extra flavor
Each variation gives the bars a new twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, no need to thaw them before cooking.
How long do cranberry bars last?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze cranberry bars?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry bars are a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with bold flavor. Their sweet and tangy taste, soft texture, and easy preparation make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you bake them for holidays or everyday treats, cranberry bars are always a crowd-pleaser.
Once you make them, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert collection.