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–+ servings
Cranberry Bars

Cranberry Bars: Easy, Festive Treats for Your Holiday Table

Cranberry Bars are an easy, festive dessert that balances sweet and tart flavors with orange zest, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 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
For the Crumb Topping
  • 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

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • electric mixer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Bars
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture and sour cream alternately, mixing until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in cranberries until evenly distributed.
  7. For the crumb topping, combine flour, sugar, and salt, then cut in cold butter.
  8. Pour batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with remaining cranberries and crumb topping.
  9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Cranberry Bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be stored for up to a week in the fridge.

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