Name: Cranberry Bars: Easy, Festive Treats for Your Holiday Table
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (can use straight from the freezer); 1 stick Butter (softened for base, cold for topping); 1 cup Sugar (for sweetness); 1 tablespoon Orange Zest (captures aromatic oils); 1 cup Flour (sifted for light texture); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (for leavening); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (to enhance flavors); 2 large Eggs (for binding); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for depth of flavor); 1/2 cup Sour Cream (adds moisture); 1 cup Flour (for structure); 1/2 cup Sugar (for sweetness in topping); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (to enhance flavor); 1/2 stick Cold Butter (to keep topping crumbly); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for flavor)

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The aroma of fresh cranberries bubbling away is a sure sign that the holiday season is upon us. As someone who thrives in the kitchen during this festive time, I often find myself searching for easy baking adventures that deliver comfort without the fuss. Enter my Easy Christmas Cranberry Bars—a delightful holiday dessert that masterfully balances sweet and tart flavors with the zest of orange, creating a festive treat that your family will adore. These bars are not only make-ahead friendly but also use basic pantry ingredients, making them a breeze to whip up. They’re perfect for cozy gatherings or as sweet homemade gifts, sure to impress without the stress of complicated recipes. Ready to bake something that captures the spirit of the season? Let’s dive in!

What Makes These Cranberry Bars Special?

Irresistible Flavor: Every bite combines the sweetness of sugar and tartness of cranberries, creating a harmonious explosion of flavors that will leave everyone craving more.

Easy to Make: With just basic pantry ingredients, these bars are a breeze to prepare, even for novice bakers. There’s no need for complicated techniques!

Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare these bars in advance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying holiday festivities and less time in the kitchen.

Versatile Delight: Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed plain with your morning coffee, they can be tailored to fit any occasion. For another festive treat, try my delicious Cranberry Turkey Grilled!

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These bars are always a hit at gatherings. They are easy to share and will leave your guests wanting the recipe!

Enjoy baking your cranberry bars—let the festive spirit shine through!

Cranberry Bars Ingredients

For the Base
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – Tartness and vibrant color; frozen cranberries can go straight from the freezer into your dish.
• Butter – Adds richness and necessary structure; remember to soften it for the base and keep it cold for the crumbly topping.
• Sugar – Sweetens the bars perfectly, balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
• Orange Zest – Enhances flavor with a citrus note; zest over the sugar to capture those aromatic oils.
• Flour – The backbone of the bars; sift to achieve a light and airy texture.
• Baking Powder – Provides leavening so your bars rise beautifully.
• Salt – A pinch enhances the overall flavors.
• Eggs – Binds all ingredients together while adding moisture.
• Vanilla Extract – Brings depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• Sour Cream – Adds moisture and contributes to the bars’ tenderness.

For the Crumb Topping
• Flour – Provides structure; blend it with the other ingredients for that desired crumbly texture.
• Sugar – Sweetens the topping for a delightful contrast against the tart cranberry base.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor of the crumble.
• Cold Butter – Keeps the topping crumbly; don’t let it soften for the best results.
• Vanilla Extract – Adding a splash will deepen the flavor of your crumbly topping!

These Cranberry Bars are simple to make and perfect for any holiday gathering! Enjoy creating this festive treat!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and take out a 9-inch square baking pan. Grease the pan generously with butter to ensure that the cranberry bars release easily after baking. This step ensures that the base will cook evenly and achieve a beautifully golden color.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Sifting the dry ingredients is essential for ensuring a light, airy texture in your cranberry bars. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients, keeping things organized for the next stages of mixing.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. The key here is to achieve a pale, creamy consistency that adds air to the batter. Once ready, incorporate the orange zest for a fragrant boost that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs to your creamed mixture, one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until combined. This helps create a rich and moist base for your cranberry bars, blending the flavors beautifully while ensuring a smooth batter.

Step 5: Mix in Flour and Sour Cream
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture and the sour cream alternately into the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined; this step keeps the batter from becoming overworked, which could result in dense bars. You want a soft, thick batter that feels creamy to the touch.

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries
Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where the fun begins—seeing those vibrant berries mixed in is a visual treat! Take care to coat each cranberry lightly in the batter to avoid them sinking during baking.

Step 7: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt for the crumb topping. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The crumbly texture adds a delightful contrast to the soft cranberry base, so don’t overwork it; just combine until it’s crumbly and ready to sprinkle.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cranberry batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cranberries on top, followed by the crumb topping. Bake your cranberry bars in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is firm to the touch, signaling they’re ready.

Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the cranberry bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process allows the flavors to meld together and makes slicing easier. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares to serve; you’ll have perfectly shaped, festive treats!

Cranberry Bars Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these cranberry bars; the possibilities are endless!

Citrus Twist: Substitute lemon zest for orange zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile. This variation maintains that lovely zestiness while offering a fresh twist.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for added texture. The crunchiness pairs beautifully with the tender cranberry layers, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Chocolate Delight: Mix in a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips with the cranberries for a decadent twist. The rich chocolate complements the tartness of cranberries perfectly, elevating these bars to pure indulgence.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for an inclusive treat. These bars can remain just as yummy while catering to gluten-sensitive friends!
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a vegan butter substitute. They’ll still be moist and flavorful, perfect for everyone at the table.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor. This warm note pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Dried Fruit: Mix in dried cherries or apricots alongside the cranberries for a different fruity sweetness. This adds an unexpected layer and vibrant color to your holiday bars.

For an extra festive treat, consider making my scrumptious Cranberry Turkey Grilled sandwich for lunch! It’s a delightful way to use leftover cranberries!

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Bars are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday baking as stress-free as possible! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The crumb topping can also be made ahead—store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, pour the chilled batter into the pan, top with the crumb mixture and cranberries, and pop it in the oven. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, fresh bars that are just as delicious as if you made them on the spot, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festive season!

Storage Tips for Cranberry Bars

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to a week; the flavors of the cranberry bars improve over time, making them even more delicious.

Freeze: Individually wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes for a cozy treat.

Expert Tips for Cranberry Bars

Chill Ingredients: Start with chilled butter for the crumb topping and room temperature for the batter to ensure the perfect texture.
Avoid Sinking Berries: Toss cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter; this keeps them suspended and evenly distributed in your cranberry bars.
Doneness Check: Instead of relying solely on the timer, look for golden edges and a center that springs back slightly when touched to guarantee the best results.
Flavor Development: Allow your bars to rest overnight before serving. The flavors deepen beautifully, making these cranberry bars even more delightful the next day!
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container; they will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge, perfect for snacking throughout the holiday season!

What to Serve with Easy Christmas Cranberry Bars

Indulge in a festive dining experience with delightful pairings that elevate these sweet yet tart treats into a full meal.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop adds velvety richness that beautifully balances the bars’ tartness, creating a dreamy dessert combination.
Hot Apple Cider: The warm spices in the cider echo the cozy flavors of the cranberry bars, making each sip a comforting accompaniment.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping enhances the buttery crumb topping, bringing a celebratory touch to every bite.
Roasted Turkey: If you’re hosting a holiday feast, these bars offer a perfect sweet contrast to savory dishes, making dinner even more memorable.
Ginger Tea: The warming spices of ginger tea provide a refreshing twist and complement the vibrant cranberry flavors in the bars.

Pair these cranberry bars with your favorite warm beverage or dessert; they’re perfect for creating lasting holiday memories!

Cranberry Bars Recipe FAQs

What kind of cranberries should I use?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. Fresh cranberries will provide a tart flavor and pop of color, while frozen cranberries can be added directly from the freezer without the need to thaw. Just keep in mind that frozen cranberries may result in slightly more moisture in the bars.

How should I store leftover cranberry bars?
To keep your cranberry bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their lifespan, refrigerate them where they can be kept for up to a week. It’s best to use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Can I freeze cranberry bars?
Definitely! To freeze your cranberry bars, individually wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will maintain their quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and they’ll be ready to serve!

Why are my cranberry bars sinking?
The more the merrier! To prevent cranberry sinking, toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This technique coats the berries and helps them to stay suspended during baking, ensuring an even distribution throughout your cranberry bars.

Can I use different citrus in the recipe?
Very! If you’re out of oranges or prefer a different flavor, lemon zest makes a fantastic substitute for orange zest, adding a bright freshness to the bars. Feel free to experiment and find the citrus note that your family enjoys most!

Are these cranberry bars suitable for pets?
While cranberries are safe for dogs in small amounts, it’s best to keep your cranberry bars away from pets due to the sugar and other ingredients, such as butter, that aren’t healthy for them. Always consult with your vet when introducing new foods to your pet’s diet.

Enjoy baking and sharing your Cranberry Bars—these easy, festive treats are sure to bring joy to your holiday table!